Document Type
Theses, Masters
Disciplines
2. ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY
Abstract
Ireland’s population is ageing at a rate that is more than twice the EU average. Public policy in Ireland aims to support older persons to age-in-place. Over 80% of older adults in Ireland live in an owner-occupied home, following many decades of public policy promoting home ownership as the tenure of choice. Limited research has been undertaken on the housing adaptation options that could result in privately-owned homes being made more suitable for the evolving needs of the rapidly ageing demographic. This thesis addresses the hypothesis that, with the provision of an appropriate suite of enablers, older homeowners can be better supported to adapt and re-use their existing homes to better meet their future housing needs. The literature review initially focuses on Ireland, exploring the evolution of Irish housing policy and culture over a century, and examining the current housing landscape. The review also considers international literature on housing adaptations that support ageing-in-place. The mixed methods case study focuses on older homeowners living in suburban Dublin, Ireland. Many strands of public policy that directly or indirectly impact on ageing-in-place have been analysed. Interviews have been undertaken with a diverse group of older persons, whose voices help to illuminate some of the idiosyncratic factors that impact on housing decisions in later life. Themes explored include the design and habitability of the home, psychological attachments, and the financial implications of homeownership. A spectrum of housing adaptation options is evaluated in light of the findings from the literature review, the interviews and critical analysis of public policy. The aim of the research is to develop a better understanding of the reasons why older persons want to remain living in their current homes and the types of challenges commonly experienced in adapting owner-occupied, suburban housing. A series of enablers has been recommended, in order to accelerate the delivery of housing adaptations to older homeowners in an efficient, fair and equitable manner. For the purpose of this research, adaptations refer to changes that enhance a home’s suitability to support ageing-in-place, including changes to the built environment, household composition and tenure.
DOI
https://doi.org/10.21427/qneb-hd71
Recommended Citation
Moore, Michelle, "Metamorphosis: An evaluation of the adaptation and re-use potential of suburban housing for older homeowners" (2025). Masters. 27.
https://arrow.tudublin.ie/builtmas/27
Creative Commons License
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Publication Details
A thesis submitted to the School of Architecture, Building and Environment in Technological University Dublin in part fulfilment of the requirements for the award of Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in Housing, October 2025.