Renting into older age could impact your life expectancy

Embargoed until: Publicly released: 2024-11-25 00:01

Australia; NSW

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People who continue to rent their home into older age have a shorter life expectancy than those who own their home, according to Australian researchers who say this gap can't be fully explained by their socio-economic status earlier in life. The researchers used data from an Australian household income and labour study and for 14 years they followed over 6000 people aged 45 and over. Calculating the life expectancy of the participants, the researchers say total life expectancy at age 65 was 2.3 years shorter for renters compared to homeowners after adjusting for their earlier life circumstances. Female renters were also projected to have just over three years less without significant disability, the researchers say.  With renting increasing in Australia, the researchers say it's important to take into account the potential population health impacts, and also consider if retirement income schemes are fit-for-purpose if fewer people can buy a home before they retire.