A Home Is More Than a Roof Over Our Heads: The European Seniors’ Union Calls for Future-Proof Housing for Seniors

Bergen Declaration puts affordable, accessible and age-friendly housing at the heart of Europe’s response to demographic change

Bergen, Norway – 6 November 2026

Housing is one of Europe’s major social and political challenges. For older people, it is about much more than having a roof over their heads. A home represents identity, memories, security, independence and a sense of belonging. It is an essential part of who we are.

This was the central message of the European Seniors’ Union (ESU) Autumn Conference, held in Bergen, Norway, from 4 to 6 November 2026, under the theme “A Strategic Framework for Future-Proof Housing Policies for Seniors”.

The conference brought together representatives of the ESU and its member organisations to discuss how Europe can respond to the growing housing challenges facing older generations. Its outcome is the Bergen Declaration on Future-Proof Housing for Seniors, which calls for a stronger political commitment to affordable, accessible, secure and age-friendly housing.

Housing is a matter of dignity, identity and well-being

Europe is experiencing profound demographic change, yet housing policies do not sufficiently reflect the needs and aspirations of its ageing population. Many older people face rising housing and energy costs, inaccessible homes and a lack of suitable alternatives between independent living and institutional care.

The ESU stresses that housing must be approached not only as an economic or construction issue, but also as a fundamental social, psychological and human concern.

A home is part of our identity. It is where personal histories unfold, memories are created and relationships are built. Being forced to leave a familiar home can mean losing much more than a physical space. Housing policies must therefore recognise the emotional and psychological importance of home, particularly in later life.

At the same time, ageing in place must be a genuine choice, not an obligation. Older people should be able to remain in their homes and communities for as long as they wish and can do so safely, but they must also have access to attractive alternative housing solutions that respect their independence, preferences and dignity.

Ten priorities for a future-proof housing policy

The Bergen Declaration sets out ten priorities for action:

• Make senior housing a visible European policy priority, ensuring that the needs of older citizens are systematically considered in housing, energy, climate and investment policies.
• Guarantee affordable and adequate housing, taking into account not only rent and mortgage costs but also energy, maintenance, insurance and adaptation expenses.
• Enable ageing in place, through accessible homes, appropriate services, transport and age-friendly neighbourhoods.
• Close the “missing middle” by developing more housing options between independent living and institutional care, including supported living, housing-with-care, co-housing and intergenerational housing.
• Ensure socially just renovation, helping older people on modest incomes improve the energy efficiency and accessibility of their homes without falling into energy poverty.
• Integrate housing and care policies, bringing together housing, health, social services and long-term care planning.
• Promote age-proofing across Europe, ensuring that the needs of older people are taken into account in relevant European and national initiatives.
• Mobilise European investment and funding to support affordable, accessible, energy-efficient and community-based housing.
• Strengthen research and the knowledge base, with comparable data and interdisciplinary research into the physical, financial, psychological and social dimensions of housing in later life.
• Give seniors a meaningful voice in designing, implementing and evaluating the policies and housing solutions that affect them.
  

  A European challenge requires a pan-European response

  The ESU emphasises that housing and demographic challenges are not confined to the European Union. They affect the entire European continent.

  The Bergen Declaration therefore calls for stronger cooperation between EU institutions, the Council of Europe, national governments, regions, municipalities and relevant organisations across Europe, including countries outside the EU.

  While housing policy remains primarily a responsibility of national, regional and local authorities, European cooperation has a crucial role to play in promoting investment, sharing good practices, encouraging innovation and developing common approaches.

  The ESU also calls for the next EU Multiannual Financial Framework to provide sufficient resources for age-friendly housing, including through cohesion policy and European investment instruments.

  Better research for better policies

  Good housing policy must be based on evidence, not assumptions. The ESU calls for stronger interdisciplinary research involving psychology, gerontology, architecture, urban planning, sociology, economics and public health.

  Research must look beyond the physical characteristics of homes and examine how housing affects identity, mental well-being, social participation, loneliness and quality of life. It should also reflect the diversity of older people’s experiences and aspirations, including those living in rural and less densely populated areas.

  Older people and their representative organisations must be involved not only in policy consultations but also in defining research priorities and evaluating proposed solutions.

  Putting people at the centre of Europe’s housing agenda

  With the Bergen Declaration, the European Seniors’ Union calls on European institutions, national governments, regional and local authorities, housing providers, investors, researchers and civil society to make age-friendly housing a central element of Europe’s response to demographic change.

  The ESU also invites the European People’s Party and its partners to place affordable, accessible and future-proof housing firmly on the European political agenda.

  Our message from Bergen is clear: future-proof housing is not a luxury for seniors. It is an investment in Europe’s future.

  A society that enables people to age with dignity is a society that is stronger, more inclusive and better prepared for tomorrow.

  A home is more than a roof over our heads. It is part of who we are. Protecting the right to an adequate home means protecting identity, dignity, independence and belonging at every age.

  Read the Bergen Declaration on Future-Proof Housing for Seniors (6 November 2026) – attached.