Pensioners trapped in family homes

Millions of pensioners face growing old in social isolation because they are trapped in large family homes which they cannot leave, a report warns.
Millions of pensioners face growing old in social isolation because they are trapped in large family homes which they cannot leave, a report warns. Pensioners who would like to downsize are sitting on a stockpile of properties with an estimated value of £400 billion, according to a study from the think-tank Demos.
However, a shortage of smaller homes suitable for retirement means that more than three million over 60s are unable to move, the report said.
The findings came as house builders and campaigners for the elderly launched a campaign calling for more dedicated retirement homes to be built and loans for pensioners to buy newly built properties.
Ministers are already to spend £315 million on homes designed for older people and have called on councils to help pensioners in their areas to downsize.
However, there are concerns that young families are struggling to find suitable enough homes while growing numbers of pensioner couples and widows remain living in large properties with several bedrooms lying empty. telegraph