Stiltz survey finds that more support is needed for UK’s elderly to maintain independence at home

New research commissioned by home lift specialists Stiltz has revealed that while the majority of older adults in the UK want to stay in their homes as they age, many feel that the support they need to do so is lacking.
The survey of 1,000 people aged 60 to 99 revealed that an overwhelming 92.4 per cent believe maintaining independence in their home is very important, with nearly 80 per cent expressing a preference to stay in their current homes as they age.
Despite this, one in six said they have to avoid certain parts of their home due to mobility issues and an alarming 64.4 per cent admitted that their mental health is directly impacted by their ability to live self-sufficiently.
Campaigners and experts are urging more to be done to address these barriers. Jayne Armstrong, Brand Supervisor at Stiltz explained: “These figures show the importance of helping older adults feel secure and capable in their own homes. Without greater efforts to address these challenges, we risk a crisis of isolation and declining mental health among the elderly, preventing them from fully enjoying their later years.”
The survey also revealed that over half of respondents (52.2%) rarely think about ways to improve accessibility in their homes until it becomes an issue. According to Jayne, this reactive approach shows the need for better education and measures to support the ageing
population.
“We need to encourage conversations about home accessibility before it becomes an urgent need,” Jayne continued. “Simple changes, like installing mobility aids or adjusting home layouts, can make a big difference. Yet too often, these decisions are delayed until it’s too
late and challenges come about.”
When asked about the role of these adjustments, such as home lifts, in improving daily life, 68.6 per cent of respondents agreed they help, while 69.1 per cent said they make them feel safer in their homes.
Addressing these issues is not only vital for individual wellbeing but also for easing the pressure on the NHS and social care services, with falls and mobility-related injuries among the leading causes of hospital admissions for older adults. The survey found that 44.7 per cent of respondents struggle with tasks like climbing stairs, highlighting the risks posed by inadequate home accessibility.
“Supporting older people to age in place isn’t just about meeting individual needs, it’s also about reducing strain on the NHS and social care services,” Jayne added. “By helping people live safely in their homes, we can prevent falls, injuries and hospital admissions, ultimately benefiting both individuals and the wider healthcare system.”
Multi-national Stiltz is a specialist manufacturer of pioneering through-floor homelifts. Its two-person Duo Homelift and three-person, wheelchair-accessible Trio Homelift, deliver an alternative to stairlifts.