Quote:The US research coincides with the UK government\'s launch of a new deal for older people, which provides funding for home adaptations so they can live in their own homes for longer, and backs schemes that help them to live independently.

The government has allocated an additional £20 million for disabled facilities grants in the UK to help councils fund adaptations to peoples\' homes. It is also extending support for home improvement agencies which provide services including energy efficiency advice, and arranging for alterations such as ground floor extensions.

Housing minister Grant Shapps said: \"With nearly a fifth of our population expected to be over 65 by 2020, radical and urgent change is needed to ensure the nation\'s housing needs are met. So I would urge all councils to look at the range of opportunities under our new deal for older people.\"