Elderly people renting have poorer health outcomes than homeowners, a new study suggests.
The findings from a Victoria University study also found that older people could be missing out on socialising because they have little money left over after paying rent.
- Company hopes to reduce loneliness for better health in elderly people
- UK appoints Minister for Loneliness
- Teen creates app to end lunch-time loneliness
It also suggested the number of elderly renters was rising and could become a larger issue in the future.
Eighty-three point two percent of the study's participants were homeowners, with 12.4 percent privately renting and 4.5 percent were public renters.
Age Concern chief executive Stephanie Clare says high rent means some elderly could find getting out of the house difficult.
"Going out to an event, or a family outing, it gets more difficult when you have to spend money and you know that your money has to go on your rent and has to go on your food."
Ms Clare said the cost of renting may be forcing people to sacrifice things.
"It's the things that we want to spend money on, to get transport to get to places, to take food to events, the things that make it easier for you to live."
She said others can help by building a connection with older people and building a community to help elderly people feel connected.
Newshub.
