Homeless Older Adults: A Growing Population

Homelessness is a pressing issue in our world today. According to the 2024 Annual Homelessness Assessment Report, over 770,000 people have experienced homelessness in the United States, with older adults comprising the fastest-growing homeless demographic. The percentage of homeless adults aged 50 or older who are single has been steadily increasing from 11 percent in the 1990s to around 37 percent in 2003, and reaching nearly 50 percent in 2020. Even more alarming is that these numbers are estimated to triple by 2030! These statistics illustrate the importance of understanding how this issue impacts seniors, why it exists, and who is most susceptible, so that experts can implement sustainable solutions addressing housing security.

Being unhoused leads to worsening health outcomes across all demographics, but especially for older adults. Unhoused older adults have significantly shorter life spans than their housed counterparts; they experience higher prevalence and severity of medical conditions, such as cognitive impairment, difficulty performing activities of daily living, and a higher risk of falls. Oftentimes, they experience more severe health issues, similar to those of housed individuals who are up to twenty years older. Additionally, unhoused older adults have higher rates of mental health and substance use disorders, further compounding their vulnerability to adverse health outcomes.

There are many reasons why older adults are disproportionately affected by homelessness. Older adults are more likely to struggle with rent increases, as many of them rely on SSI (Supplemental Security Income) and SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance), which are both forms of fixed income. Social Security is the primary source of income for most people over age 65, with nearly nine out of ten individuals in this age group receiving Social Security benefits. Living on limited, fixed incomes can create larger burdens for older adults than their younger counterparts from rent increases, potentially resulting in housing loss. It is also important to note that most states do not have rent control or eviction protection, which increases the risk that older adults will find themselves homeless – especially if they are unable to work to obtain further supplemental income.

Homelessness can also be triggered by stressful life events such as a spouse’s death, divorce, or the onset of health problems, with the chances of someone experiencing these events increasing with age. These occurrences, coupled with the fact that seniors compose nearly half of renters with extremely low incomes, further demonstrate how they are especially vulnerable to homelessness when stressful life events take place. Another factor contributing to the risk of homelessness is that older adults are also more likely to be victims of scams, often due to a tendency for this demographic to be more trusting of others and potentially due to an unfamiliarity with technology. Older adults are also at higher risk for other forms of financial exploitation, with social isolation and a smaller network size being major risk factors. Being a victim of a scam or financial exploitation can rob an older adult of their life savings.

Furthermore, older adults are also more likely to develop cognitive decline compared to the rest of the population, which can negatively impact their reasoning skills and perception of risk, leading them to make financially unsound decisions. Older adults are also prone to losing social support as their family and friends move or pass away, which decreases the likelihood that they will have someone in their life to support them should their financial situation become difficult. The combination of these factors can create a perfect storm for vulnerable seniors, which amounts to the higher percentage of older adults affected by homelessness.

Along with an increased risk of facing homelessness, older adults also face greater barriers accessing housing assistance. Qualifying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) can be a long process, and modifying a home for aging-in-place may be too expensive or prohibited for renters. Shelters typically require people to be able to feed and bathe themselves – areas in which some older adults might require assistance. Some services are also only available after a serious crisis occurs, thus limiting opportunities for preventative measures. On top of that, age-related factors, such as cognitive decline, can play a major role in being able to ask for help or access services. Lower technological literacy may prevent some older adults from being able to access needed services, especially as we move into a more technocentric world. Potential solutions to these issues include reducing wait times for services, simplifying application processes, and increasing access to services that help prevent homelessness before it occurs. Continuous outreach is just as important, such as having service providers be more proactive and intervening before the loss of housing, offering assistance for home modifications, and increasing options for affordable housing with services.

Each older adult represents a life filled with experiences, challenges, and contributions to society. By educating ourselves about homelessness and recognizing the risk factors that older adults face, we can better understand the issues at hand and work toward addressing them. While the challenges are significant, solutions do exist. Through policy reform and community engagement, we can create a future where access to secure housing and aging with dignity is a reality for everyone.

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