With the 1er July just behind us, anyone who follows the news in Quebec (or has looked for an apartment) can see that the housing crisis is intensifying. Although this problem can affect the entire population, it particularly affects vulnerable seniors and risks aggravating the crisis that we have already been experiencing for several years in the health network.
The dramatic increase in housing costs over the past few years and the government’s recent proposal to end the lease assignment mechanism are putting considerable financial pressure on seniors who are tenants. Note that the housing crisis is much more than a simple difficulty in finding a place to live. It also has major implications for health, as access to decent and affordable housing is a major determinant of health, especially for already vulnerable older people.
Many seniors aspire to live in their homes for as long as possible, which also aligns with expert recommendations for optimal aging. However, their reliance on their retirement income can be considerable, especially given current inflation. This can unfortunately expose them to a precarious financial situation that prevents them from achieving their wish. In recent years, we have witnessed an alarming increase in the number of elderly people forced to leave their homes and struggling to find another. With demand far exceeding supply, they find themselves in a space that does not meet their specific needs.
Mental and physical health
This situation has disastrous consequences on their mental well-being. Uncertainty, instability and social isolation stemming from housing issues can contribute to feelings of anxiety and stress in older adults, which increases their risk of developing problems such as depression and illness. Alzheimers. But the impact of the housing crisis goes far beyond the psychological consequences.
We also now know that there is an association between poor housing conditions and several adverse physical health effects. For example, they contribute to an increased risk of falls which can cause serious injury, as well as to deterioration of respiratory health, thus increasing the prevalence of lung diseases. Inadequate housing, in particular the absence of a lift and poor heating, is also strongly associated with a deterioration in autonomy. Unsanitary conditions, lack of safety and comfort can contribute to a general decline in health.
The consequences of the housing crisis on the health of vulnerable elderly people thus risk further weakening the health network, which is already facing many challenges related to the aging of the population and the shortage of caregivers. In addition, elderly tenants living with high housing costs are generally more at risk of having to be admitted to a CHSLD, which could further lengthen waiting lists and put additional pressure on the already very limited resources of these establishments. .
An urgent situation
It is imperative that the government recognize the urgency of the situation and take concrete measures to solve the housing crisis taking into account the needs of the elderly. The Ministry of Health and Social Services recently took a first step by launching consultations to develop the 2024-2029 action plan for its policy Aging and living together, at home, in your community, in Quebec. But we must avoid falling into the trap of acting in silos and only proposing temporary and palliative measures. Long-term policies must be put in place that promote the construction of affordable housing adapted to the specific needs of the elderly.
It is crucial to recognize the disproportionate impact of the housing crisis on vulnerable seniors and the risk this poses to the healthcare system. In this sense, the crisis concerns everyone, tenants and non-tenants, and the government must take concrete action to deal with it.
*Co-signatories: Bich-Lien Nguyen, doctoral student in nursing at the Université de Montréal; Justine Wu, nurse, master’s student in nursing sciences at the University of Montreal; Cecilia Leon Palomino, nurse, doctoral student in nursing sciences at the University of Montreal