Housing 21 conference returns with a focus on rethinking later life

Sector experts and academics are preparing to come together to discuss the key issues affecting older people’s housing at Housing 21’s annual conference in Birmingham.

Titled ‘Beyond Age: Rethinking Later Life’, this year’s conference has been broken down into three key discussion points: ‘Making Intergenerational Communities’, ‘Later Life in Transition’ and ‘AI’.

Now in its seventh year, the conference has become an established fixture in the diaries of representatives from across the housing, care and health sectors to identify trends, gaps and opportunities in the provision of quality housing services for older people.

Vanessa Pritchard-Wilkes, Head of Research and Influence at Housing 21, said: “Quality housing for older people extends beyond the bricks and mortar; it is about the complete, integrated experience that focuses on wider issues including health, wealth, opportunities and barriers.  

“Rather than looking at these factors in silos, the conference provides an opportunity for everyone involved in meeting the needs of older people to come together and discuss an integrated, partnership approach to service delivery. We’re proud to once again facilitate this opportunity and look forward to welcoming speakers and attendees to Birmingham on 14 October.”

With more older people working into – and past – traditional retirement years, plus the evolution of emerging technologies such as AI, this year’s conference will example how ageism and the outdated concept of retirement continue to shape attitudes and behaviours towards older people.  

It will explore how demographic change, evolving patterns of work in later life, and accelerating technological innovation are reshaping the future of age inclusive living. 

Throughout the day, participants will consider whether the traditional notion of retirement still serves society’s needs. Discussions will investigate how housing and communities can be designed to better support intergenerational living, as well as how emerging technologies and AI can be confidently and ethically integrated to enhance independence, inclusion, and quality of life.

This year’s conference will take place at the ICC in Birmingham on 14 October from 10am – 4pm (followed by a drinks reception until 5pm). Places are limited and will be prioritised for professionals working across the housing, health and care sectors.

Register your interest through Eventbrite.