Elderly people in a situation of extreme residential risk in Spain: a regional diagnosis

The benefits of aging in place have been widely studied. However, the housing situation of the elderly remains underexplored, below the assumption that their housing needs are adequately covered. This article analyses the housing situation of the population over 65 in Spain from a comparative regional perspective. The main purpose is to obtain an exhaustive residential diagnosis of which regions need the most urgent measures to eliminate substandard housing among the elderly. Based on the 2011 Population and Housing Census (last date available), several indicators are calculated to measure housing vulnerability, lack of comfort, extended residential exclusion and extreme residential risk situations. The results confirm marked inequality between regions regarding situations of substandard housing. Additionally, certain territories register intra-territorial inequality, where those who suffer from vulnerability face serious housing risks.