IPPG Professor Alan Morris's book, The Australian Dream - Housing Experiences of Older Australians, examines the impacts of housing tenure on older Australians dependent on the age pension for their income. Drawing on 125 in-depth interviews, it compares the life circumstances of older social housing tenants, private renters and homeowners. It examines their capacity to pay for their accommodation, how this cost impacts on their ability to lead a decent life, maintain social ties and pursue leisure activities, and how their housing situation affects their health and wellbeing. The book gives readers insight into the everyday lives of older Australians, shows the limitations of the present policy regime and illustrates the possible future scenarios if present trends in housing affordability and policy persist.
Professor Morris's unique research reveals the fundamental role that affordable, adequate and secure housing plays in creating a foundation for a decent life for older Australians. For more information on the new book click here.
The book, published by CSIRO Publishing, will be available in October 2016.
