Relocation in Non-Profit Housing

This project examines older adults’ experiences of relocation under the Danish Parallel Society Act. The Act tackles housing segregation by transforming the built environment and changing the resident composition in non-profit housing areas. 

It involves large-scale renovations, demolitions and sale of housing blocks, and requires the relocation of a substantial number of residents, including many older adults. The results are evaluated on a neighbourhood scale through statistically measurable outcomes. The lived experiences of relocated residents, and of older adults in particular, are often overlooked.

Drawing on qualitative interviews with older adults and employees, this study explores older adults’ lived experiences of both relocation processes and outcomes. Applying and refining a spatial justice lens, this study highlights the importance of the social dimension of spatial justice for older adults. 

The study finds that proximity to one’s social relations, both casual and close, is crucial for older adults’ spatial justice, and that relocation can create new forms of socio-spatial exclusion at both local and national scales. Relocation can restrict opportunities for social interaction and participation, thus affecting older adults’ social life and associated sense of safety. 

Underscoring how the social dimension of spatial (in)justice is of particular significance to older adults, this study refines the spatial justice framework, contributes to urban and ageing studies, and offers policymakers and practitioners insights for more just approaches.