What Causes Elder Homelessness?

A recent study found that the majority of the elderly homeless composes around 24% of the total homeless population. Leading factors included financial/employment problems, interpersonal conflict, and mental health problems as the main reasons. It is apparent we need increased attention to the elderly homeless, not because nearly 1 out of every 4 homeless people are elderly, but because they are people, period,

There are stark contrasts between the needs of the elderly homeless and their younger counterparts. The most obvious is increased physical and mental frailty of elderly homeless. The elderly are more much more likely than their younger counterparts to have chronic medical conditions, or have two or more medical conditions. Mental health disorders also indicate a reflection of the inherent and gradual aging process.

A unique aspect affecting the elderly is the problem brought about by dementia. This has practical ramifications due to the medical management of this group. But there is also an intimate and emotional component that cripples families. The grief associated with dementia is disabling, as losing loved ones has rippling effects.

Financial and employment difficulties head the list of top contributing factors to elderly homelessness. Even though vocational rehabilitation is needed in the general homeless population, it is more crucial in the elderly homeless population for a number of reasons. Ageism from employers, a lack of job skills, erratic work histories, and a shorter projected lifespan renders investing in older employees a higher risk.

Another frequent cause is lack of social support. With age comes a deterioration of social ties as peers and loved ones pass away. When this happens, the elderly often lose avenues of social interaction. If they relied on others for transportation, elements of their freedom are taken away.

And what about shelters? Some research shows there is a tendency for elderly men to live outside, in camps, or in other places not intended for habitation, because they do not feel safe in shelters. There is a tendency to avoid shelters out of fear of being victimized by younger homeless people overnight. No matter how safe and secure the facility is, some elderly instead view more transient forms of existence as safer. Montana is a rural state and rural homelessness is a prevalent concern. The elderly homeless in rural areas are even more hidden than their urban counterparts.

*Sources: The Chicago Homeless Prevalence Study.