In view of the fact that the ageing population is dramatically increasing, what should be the long-term strategy used by the government, developers and local authorities? What should housing associations consider in the longer run and what financial and housing products do they need to be developing now to house ageing people over the next 10-plus years? What changes should be implemented in the housing sector to prepare for an increase in the ageing population.

Lawrence Bowles, senior analyst – residential research, Savills

Catherine Foot, director of evidence, Centre for Ageing Better

This session will look into older people’s services – from the traditional method, where people knock on doors to check if tenants are OK, to carelines and using technology to engage with ageing tenants. We will talk about resident governance and a way of involving older residents in service reviews and put them at the centre of the planning and decision-making process.

Robin Deane, head of independent living, Optivo

Dr Sarah Carlick, managing director, the Athena Programme

Guy Stenson, director of housing operations, Stonewater

In this session we will invite a number of residents to share their honest and open perspective on best practice and what it is that ageing residents need the most from their housing providers or local authorities: communication, levels of engagement and creating a community.

Chair: Paula Broadbent, retirement solutions director, ENGIE UK

Phil Crump, resident, the ExtraCare Charitable Trust

Joan Swift, chair, resident council, PA Housing

The session will explore ways and smart devices to ensure older tenants are safe at home. How can housing providers support their customers with the right assistive technologies and not lose a human touch to their services. Can technology appropriately replace much of the human contact? With the speed of change of technology, how do organisations ensure they are choosing the right technology for their customers in terms of effectiveness and cost? Should a social landlord take a lead on personal assistive technology? We will look at examples of assistive technologies that can be used straightaway and are simple and reliable.

Clive Gilbert, policy manager, assistive technology, Policy Connect

Paul Slaughter, chief executive, Care Messenger

Lord Best will discuss:

• The outcomes of the APPG report on Rental Housing For An Ageing Population
• Future strategic priorities for local authorities and housing providers
• Recommendations for central and local government
• What the funding challenges are and how they can be resolved

Loneliness in older people can lead to mental and emotional health deterioration. What are the benefits of ageing in the comfort of your own home versus a retirement home. Does ageing in your own home mean isolation and losing a sense of belonging? This session will explore ways for older residents to remain engaged with the local community and stay active and independent for longer.

Shirley Hall, head of innovation and wellbeing, The ExtraCare Charitable Trust

Carol Clifford, programme lead Ageing and Older People, National Development Team for Inclusion (NDTi)

Lesley Bainbridge, clinical expert, Home Group

This session will focus on innovative and forward-thinking architectural solutions and interior design that can help older people age in the comfort of their own place, stay active and more independent in later life. Should we stop thinking about developing housing for older people and start designing accommodation where people can age in place? How can we influence a better, more inclusive health and housing approach to the design and development of housing that supports older people’s needs?

Dominic Hailey, senior team architect, ColladoCollins

Roland Karthaus, director, Matter Architecture

Fara Muneer, head of business development, Centre for Accessible Environments

Yusuf Muhammad, co-founder and chief design officer, Plumis

With social care budgets being stretched, the session will aim to explore the funding solutions and personal finances for older people. Is self-funding going to be key to delivering many services or are there strong expectations that many services should be provided by the local authority/housing associations and the NHS? How do we meet the needs of the current older population (asset rich) while preparing for an older generation who will not have the same assets?

Domini Gunn-Peim, housing consultant

Gareth Lyon, head of policy and communications, ARCO

How can different organisations such as housing associations, local care providers, councils and charities work together to deliver the best services and support the older people in their homes? This session will look at some examples of integration with health services to plan and co-ordinate care and other interventions.

Julie Ogley, director of social care, health and housing at Central Bedfordshire Council, Immediate Past President of ADASS