Aging and Housing Instability: Homelessness Among Older and Elderly Adults

This article provides a synthesis of recent literature on homelessness among older (age 50-64) and elderly (age 65 and older) adults in the United States. Much of the recent literature and policy focus has been placed on the plight of unstably housed youth and families. However, strong demographic trends, economic insecurity, and lack of affordable senior living have contributed to increased housing instability among those over age 50. Differences in pathways into homelessness, health care utilization, and age-specific clinical issues necessitate further consideration of the graying homeless population and will be discussed. The homeless population in the United States is aging, mirroring general population trends. The US Census Bureau projects that the current elderly population will double by 2050, resulting in approximately 89 million people over the age of 65. Similar trends are expected for those experiencing homelessness, according to projections by the Homeless Research Institute. It is estimated that elderly homelessness will increase by 33% in 2020 (44,172 in 2010 to 58,772 in 2020). By 2050, the elderly homeless population is projected to more than double, with 95,000 elderly persons expected to be living without stable housing. The age composition of the homeless population has shifted significantly over the past two decades, with the median age of single adults increasing from 35 years in 1990 to 50 years in 2010.