School of Engineering and Built Environment

Self-Funded PhD Research Project

Project Title: The unintended consequences of “improved” social housing on the health and wellbeing of an aging population

Project Reference Number: SEBE

Key words: aging population, asset management, health, social housing, sustainability, wellbeing

Background:

The UK is experiencing an exponential rise in the 50+ population with a peak not expected until 2033. Increased life expectancy coupled with the retirement of “post-war baby boomers” presents a demographic spike with significant societal implications. Prolonged longevity is often not accompanied by enhanced health, mobility and quality of life; and presents a particular challenge for those managing social housing provision. As a result, the “Shift in the Balance of Care” agenda (SBC) (Scottish Government, 2009) has seen a renewed focus towards managing health and social care for older people within the context of their home. The complexity of delivering this agenda through a social housing focused strategy requires a range of service providers to engage and work together on a multitude of complex and dynamic factors. Social housing providers face a heightened challenge as they experience a higher portion of the problem given the strong correlation between their tenants and higher instances of poor health and quality of life in old age often a number of years earlier than those in other housing sectors (Tunstall et al., 2013). When placed in the context of decreased funding for new build solutions, social housing providers face an acute problem which restricts their choices outside of the existing housing stock and places strain on already constrained budgets (Taylor-Goodby, 2012). As the design, adaptation and maintenance of social housing increasingly takes into account the requirements of older people, it is important to ensure that asset managers don’t promote unintended consequences for the health and wellbeing of their aging population.
The links between poor housing and poor health are well-established. However, the unintended consequences of “improved” social housing on the health and wellbeing of tenants remains largely unknown, due to the many other factors that are linked to housing. This is especially true for the context of improving the social housing stock for an aging population.An ecological approach to housing and health research that acknowledges the many factors that affect health over and above physical housing conditions alone has often been recommended, but often under-utilised in current design and assessment practice, and underexplored in research. This approach would involve examining not just the physical changes made to the properties and its effect on health, but would also explore how housing and neighbourhood change are related to wider determinants of health and wellbeing such as one’s social networks and other social relationships (Kearns et al., 2006).
Example References:
1.Boyle, F and Thomson, C. (2016),Establishing an evidence base for adapting social housing for an ageing population, Journal of Financial Management of Property and Construction, Vol. 21 (2) pp. 137-159
2.Kearns, A, Petticrew, M, Hoy, C, Mason, P and Ferrell, C. (2006) The effects of social housing on health and wellbeing – initial findings from the SHARP study.

3.Taylor-Gooby, P. (2012), Root and branch restructuring to achieve major cuts:the social policy programme of the 2010 UK Coalition Government, Social Policy & Administration, Vol. 46, (1), pp. 61-82

4.Sunikka-Blank, M, Chen, J , Britnell, J and Dimitra, D., (2012) Improving Energy Efficiency of Social Housing Areas: A Case Study of a Retrofit Achieving an “A” Energy Performance Rating in the UK, European Planning Studies, Vol. 20, (1).

Aim:

The aim of this research is to determinethe unintended consequences of “improved” social housing on the health and wellbeing of an aging population.
Objectives:
The research will take a two -stage methodology approach;
  1. A physical survey based on a visual inspection in addition to the monitoring ofclassic ambient environmental conditions such as thermal comfort, CO2, humidity and noise levels etc., thus allowing for comparison with acceptedbenchmarks and tenant experiences. Readings will be taken over an extended period of time and daily figures will be calculated to mitigate the effects of any erroneous readings due to other factors.
  2. Tenant surveys considering overall satisfaction with the ambient environment, health and wellbeing and behaviour patterns will be conducted.
The research will be conducted in conjunction with a large housing association in West of Scotland to provide access to properties and tenants to complete both stages of the methodology. Working together and wider stakeholders connected to this agenda the research will lead to questions being asked about how the results can inform a range of socially important issues surrounding the aging population, and provide recommendations for improving the practice of asset management in this context.

Research Supervisor(s)

Candidates are encouraged to contact the following researchers for further details:

  • Dr Nicola Callahan - (
  • Dr Craig Thomson – (

Mode(s) of Study

This project is available as a:

  • PhD: 3 years full-time
  • PhD: 4-6 years part-time (provided UK Visa eligibility criteria are satisfied)
  • 1 + 3 route to PhD: Undertaking MRes [1 year full-time] + PhD as above

APPLICATION DETAILS

Eligibility

Applicants will normally hold a UK honours degree 2:1 (or equivalent); or a Masters degree in a subject relevant to the research project. Equivalent professional qualifications and any appropriate research experience may be considered. A minimum English language level of IELTS score of 6.5 (or equivalent) with no element below 6.0 is required. Some research disciplines may require higher levels.

Specific requirements of the project:

The successful applicant will be able to demonstrate understanding of sustainability and asset management.

How to Apply

Candidates are encouraged to contact the research supervisor(s) for the project before applying. Applicants should download and complete the GCU Research Application Form (available from: the Project Titleand Reference Number(listed above). Or they may attach an alternative research proposal (see Guidance on writing a research proposal) that is related to the themes and expertise of the School ( The completed GCU Research Application form should be sent with copies of academic qualifications (including IELTS if required), 2 references and any other relevant documentation to: . Applicants shortlisted for a PhD will be contacted for an interview.

Application Deadlines

The PhD programmes commence in 01 October, 01 February or 01 May of each year. The application deadlines are as follows:

Start Date / Application Deadline
May 2017 / 1 March 2017
October 2017 / 1 July 2017
February 2018 / 1 December 2017
May 2018 / 1 March 2018
October 2018 / 1 July 2018

Research Degree Fees

Current fee information: