Ageing and Homelessness: Solutions for a growing problem

An ageing population and growing levels of housing stress will increase the number of people at risk of ageing in to homelessness. One in six people aged over 55 who received help from a homelessness service reported having financial difficulties. Appropriate housing that is truly affordable is a key part of the solution. We must provide options that include supports to age in place, social housing and more intensive supported accommodation models that allow people to age in their communities where they feel safe, connected and supported. We need to invest in social housing that is appropriate for older people; housing that is accessible and designed to accommodate their particular needs. Older women continue to be particularly vulnerable to later-in-life homelessness, due to factors including a lack of superannuation, financial dependence and domestic and family violence