Isle of Wight in country's top group of older people renting

Between 2011 and 2021, according to a study published by national charity, Independent Age, it shows that ten of the top 20 local authorities in the country seeing the largest increase in privately rented households, by older people, are in coastal areas.

Many of this group live with long-term conditions and disabilities — finding it harder to access vital services, such as health facilities in coastal areas, particularly those which are deprived.

Those in the older population who rent privately, are being forced out of their homes and communities by the high fees they are forced to shell out, the study has found.

Coastal and rural areas have seen the biggest surge in numbers within a decade — 17 per cent on the Island.

Independent Age is calling on the government for greater protections for older renters and support with high rents.

More than a third of those in this group are in poverty.

The housing crisis is forcing them to live on low pension incomes, driving them out of their homes and the communities they may have lived most of their lives in, say Independent Age.

"The research suggests the housing crisis is forcing older people on a low income to move away from their friends and family, their GP and other local services due to high rents," a charity spokesperson said. 

"This will likely lead to increased loneliness and poorer health outcomes.

"They are almost three times more likely to be in poverty, than those who own their home, mortgage free."

Independent Age says the lack of available social housing may be driving the demand for private rented accommodation.

The charity's chief executive, Joanna Elson, said: “Being forced to move out of their community because of the cost, is hellish. Physical difficulties can also make the process of moving, incredibly distressing.

“This is a disaster. None of us want to live our later years isolated, in poor quality housing, or have our freedom to choose where we live taken away."