RELOC-AGE: How Do Housing Choices and Relocation Matter for Active and Healthy Ageing?

Addressing the lack of research on housing applying a health promotion approach, nurtured by the hypothesis that housing choices and relocation influence active and healthy ageing, the objectives of the RELOC-AGE project are to:Study housing choices, relocation and health patterns in later life in the Swedish 55+ population (Register RELOC-AGE).Study housing choices and relocation and examine the effects on active and healthy ageing among people aged 55+ considering relocation (Prospective RELOC-AGE).Evaluate effects on active and healthy ageing of a web-based housing counselling service – Ageing in the Right Place (ARP) – (Intervention RELOC-AGE).Contribute to theory development explaining the complex dynamics of housing choices, relocation, and active and healthy ageing (Theory RELOC-AGE).Linking national registers on health and housing in the 55+ population in parallel with a mixed methods prospective study we are establishing a data infrastructure for research on housing and active and healthy ageing.

We have recruited 1,964 participants actively considering relocation and follow them over time, as they move or not.

With input from seniors, we have co-developed a housing counselling intervention, which will be evaluated in a randomized controlled trial. The integrated findings feed into theory development with potential to inform future research in this field. RELOC-AGE will generate new knowledge nurturing housing policies and practices in Sweden and internationally.