The Impact on Health of Homelessness

The relationship between homelessness, health and wellbeing in later life is not documented to the same extent as for younger populations. Studies indicate that existing health conditions are exacerbated by homelessness, and that older people experiencing homelessness are more likely to suffer from depression or dementia. Risks to health are particularly high for people who have lived on the streets for some time, indeed it is estimated that the average age of death of a homeless person is 47 years – ‘later life’ is in fact much earlier than for the general population. Official statistics indicate a 111 per cent increase in older (over 60) statutory homeless applicants since 2009/10, and 155 per cent increase in applicants aged 75 years and over. This compares to an overall increase of 48 per cent in all applicants.