New way of living for the old

IF it’s true that we no longer buy a house for life, but for life stages, then a new development in elderly housing deserves serious attention.

It’s the brainchild of Louth County Council, who have designated themselves the ‘age friendly’ county. Opening this month, the development is the council’s response to housing for the elderly — a high-tech, 16-unit scheme that will allow older people, and those with disabilities, to live independently and with dignity.

Don’t look away now if you think this is all about nursing homes and sheltered housing — it isn’t. It’s about providing discrete, carefully designed, and future-proof accommodation that recognises, but circumvents, the shortcomings of age and illness.