Poor housing conditions can raise fall risk for older adults
Older adults living in homes with electrical or plumbing problems, insufficient space or poor lighting are more likely to experience a fall, according to a new study published Aug. 5, 2026, in the open-access journal PLOS One by Javiera Cartagena-Farías of the London School of Economics and Political Science, U.K., and colleagues.
A new study published in PLOS One on August 5, 2026, reveals that poor housing conditions may significantly increase the risk of falls among older adults. Conducted by Javiera Cartagena-Farías and colleagues at the London School of Economics and Political Science, the research analyzed data from over 5,500 English adults aged 65 and older from 2002 to 2023, as part of the English Longitudinal Study of Aging (ELSA).
The study found that electrical or plumbing problems were associated with a 10.8% higher probability of experiencing a fall, while limited space increased fall likelihood by 3.3%. Additionally, poor lighting was linked to a 9.3% rise in healthcare-treated falls. The researchers estimate that falls associated with poor housing cost the NHS approximately £1.2 billion annually, accounting for £440 million in healthcare expenses and £778 million in formal care costs.
While the study relied on self-reported data, which may be prone to recall bias, the authors emphasize that the findings highlight the substantial impact of housing conditions on fall risk. They suggest that investing in housing improvements as part of a broader fall-prevention strategy could lead to significant benefits for older adults and help reduce the financial burden on health and care systems.
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