Some ethical issues in research on the housing of older people

Abstract

In this article some ethical issues that arise in research on older people and their housing are discussed. It starts by underlining the importance of defining older people, the dangers of generalising, and the effect of excluding them from research. Ethical issues over the involvement of older people in research are then discussed. It looks at their living arrangements including the role of home and whether there are special issues for certain groups. The challenges over the use of assistive technology, including practical ones, are considered. There are particular issues connected with longitudinal studies and these are addressed. Finally, guidance over ethical issues and research on older people including housing and technology are discussed. It is also concluded that the use of measures that are generally agreed to enable comparisons across the world would be helpful.