New study to examine how housing improvements affect health and wellbeing in later life

A new study will look at whether making homes warmer and more energy efficient can improve the health and wellbeing of older people. Using data from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA), researchers will examine the effects of improvements such as insulation, double glazing and new heating systems.

The project, The Impact of Housing Quality Retrofits on the Health and Well-Being of Older People, has been funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Public Health Research Programme and will run from January 2026 to December 2028. Led by researchers at University College London and Imperial College London, the study brings together expertise in buildings, public health, ageing, statistics and health economics.

Many homes across the UK are poorly insulated and expensive to heat. Damp, mould and cold indoor conditions can affect both physical and mental health. These issues are particularly important for older people, who are more likely to live with long-term health conditions, spend more time indoors at home and are more vulnerable to the adverse effects of exposure to poor indoor conditions.

The study will examine the impact of home improvements such as insulation, double glazing and replacement heating systems. Many of these measures have been introduced through government schemes such as Warm Home Plan launched in early 2026, aimed at improving energy efficiency and reducing household energy costs, especially for low-income families.

Researchers will use data from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA), alongside information from a national database of housing improvements as well as a database of Energy Performance Certificates (EPC). By linking these data, the team will be able to compare the health and wellbeing of people living in upgraded homes with those whose homes have not received improvements.

The project will investigate whether housing improvements are associated with better health and wellbeing. It will also examine whether the benefits are greater for people living in more disadvantaged circumstances, helping to address inequalities in later-life health.

Public contributors will be involved throughout the project, helping to shape the research and ensure that it reflects the experiences and priorities of older people from a range of backgrounds and circumstances. They will provide advice on the interpretation of findings and support the development of materials to communicate the results to policymakers, practitioners and the public.

Alongside the health analyses, the research team will assess the economic costs and benefits of home improvements for individuals and government. The study will also estimate the potential impacts of future housing upgrades needed to help meet the UK's net-zero targets.

The findings will provide evidence about the potential health and economic effects of improving the energy efficiency of homes, helping to inform future housing and public health policy.

Image from the Centre for Ageing Better