Lack of research-based standards for accessible housing: problematization and exemplification of consequences

To increase the understanding of how definitions of standards for housing design influence the proportion of dwellings not meeting the standards and the proportion of individuals defined as having accessibility problems.

The sample included old people and their dwellings in three European countries (N = 1,150). Frequencies and percentages were reported and empirical distribution functions were used.

Depending on the functional profile and standards in question, the magnitude of influence of the standards differs in extent, e.g., the existing standard for door openings at the entrance (defined ≥75 cm) implied that the proportion of dwellings not meeting it was 11.3% compared to 64.4%, if the standard was set to ≥83 cm. The proportion of individuals defined as having accessibility problems for profiles not using mobility devices was 4-5, 57% for profiles using them and 1-3% for the total sample if the standard was set to 90 cm.

Research-based standard definitions for housing design are necessary to ensure that they actually lead to enhanced accessibility, which is a prerequisite for the independence and health of persons with functional limitations.