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During this later period death often dissolves a number of partnerships leaving, in the
majority of cases, a widow with readjustment problems which often make her housing problems
more acute than those of a spinster of the same age.
By the time couples reach what can be called "early old age" they are at the point of
the cycle at which most researchers in housing problems begin their studies. Retirement is now
almost universal and only about 20% are in a sufficiently comfortable financial position to meet
current housing needs or maintain satisfactory accommodation. A large number of those house
owners who decided to stay where they were begin to pay the price for their decisions. They are
unable to cope with the maintenance of a large house and have let it run down.
The last phase in this cycle is a smaller number of surviving "late old age". By this
time physical infirmities are usually great, and there is a growing number who, as they advance
through late old age, need more than satisfactory walls, floors and facilities.
Throughout the country there are houses and flats which, whilst being individually
satisfactory, are to be found in districts which do not afford the elderly occupants the social and
psychological support which they require.
There will always be room for new thoughts on old people's housing as further understanding
is gained of the changing phases of life and the opportunities they present to plan for
the future.
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