Synthesizing Implications of a Collaborative Project on Socially Sustainable Housing Policies for the Aging Population

Abstract

Abstract Objective: Based on findings from four transdisciplinary research studies on housing issues for the aging population, whereof three had a particular focus on marginalized groups, we report a synthesis of implications from a collaborative research project on socially sustainable housing policies. Researchers and non-academic partners in the ongoing Thematic Collaboration Initiative Social Rights and Housing for the Aging Population at Lund University participated in co-creative activities aiming at policy recommendations. Results: Seven types of implications (i.e., themes) that represent macro and meso level approaches with potential to generate impact on social rights and housing for the aging population were identified. The content of legislation and regulations, financial institution strategies, and housing and neighbourhood development exemplify macro level implications. The three themes education and training, communicating with a diversity of stakeholders, and communicating with the public all relate to an overall need for integrated knowledge translation. The theme involving older adults as a resource delivered insight into underutilized capacities of the diverse target group. As the quest for integrated knowledge translation is growing stronger, this research note contributes to development of approaches to synthesize implications of transdisciplinary collaboration, connecting research, practice and policy on societal challenges that accompany population aging.