In response, government representatives have pointed to ongoing initiatives like the 'Plan for Change' and Awaab’s Law, aimed at improving housing conditions for vulnerable populations.

A new report by the Centre for Ageing Better reveals that 4.5 million people aged 50 and over in Britain are living in poor-quality housing, which exacerbates existing health conditions.

The report warns that without addressing the housing crisis in England, efforts to improve the NHS and stimulate economic growth will likely fail.

Analysis from the National Centre for Social Research indicates that one in three older individuals faces housing problems, with one in seven reporting three or more issues.

These housing problems include dampness, leaks, and inadequate heating, which can significantly impact health issues such as respiratory and heart diseases.

Older renters are particularly vulnerable, with those experiencing health issues being three times more likely to face multiple housing problems compared to homeowners.

Disparities in housing quality are evident, as 46% of black, Asian, or minority ethnic individuals aged 50 or above report housing issues, compared to 32% of their white counterparts.

Among those affected, 1.7 million individuals are aged 70 or over, confronting severe issues like rising damp and decay.

With projections indicating that the number of people aged 65 and over in the UK will rise to 14.6 million by 2029, there is an urgent need for policy attention.

Despite the significance of these challenges, the charity Age UK highlights a lack of political discussion surrounding the aging population.

Baroness Ros Altmann has raised concerns about the marginalization of older people, advocating for dedicated representation for aging issues in government.

Dr. Carole Easton, CEO of the Centre for Ageing Better, emphasizes that the poor housing crisis not only jeopardizes the health of older individuals but also hampers economic productivity.