Have ever imagined being in that home that suits your ideal taste, close the door, sink on to the sofa after a hard day? The peace of mind that comes with such comfort definitely promises good health.
Houses are more than physical structures that provides shelter. They are homes – where we bring up our families, socialise with friends, our own space where we can unwind, keep our possessions safe and take refuge from the rest of the world. They’re where we spend most of our time.
Where we live can influence our health through many means. Our new infographic illustrates the main ways in which the links between housing and health play out.
It’s clear that housing conditions can influence our physical health. For example, a warm and dry house can improve general health outcomes and specifically reduce respiratory conditions. However, housing also has a huge influence on our mental health and wellbeing – children living in crowded homes are more likely be stressed, anxious and depressed, have poorer physical health, and attain less well at school.
Housing has rarely been out of the news in recent months. Those who are elderly or young, isolated, without a support network, and adults with disabilities are more likely to be affected. It’s not surprising that young people are concerned about this when they spend nearly a quarter of their income on housing – a theme that we are exploring in our Young people’s future health inquiry.
Where we live can promote our health if it is
affordable and provides a stable and secure base, a place where we feel safe and comfortable able to provide for all the household’s requirements connected to community, work and services.
‘A safe, settled home is the cornerstone on which individuals and families build a better quality of life, access services they need and gain greater independence.’ This quote from Jake Eliot, formerly of the National Housing Federation, clearly illustrates how housing is key to improved health and wellbeing. Investing in housing, particularly for vulnerable people, can also affect and avoid costs for other public services, reducing costs of health services and residential care.
