Homelessness Is Increasing Among Elderly Adults

There is some troubling evidence that homelessness is beginning to increase among elderly adults. In addition, there are demographic factors—such as the anticipated growth of the elderly population as baby boomers turn 65 years of age and recent reports of increases in the number of homeless adults ages 50 to 64—that suggest a dramatic increase in the elderly homeless population between 2010 and 2020. While the country's changing demographics may make this finding unsurprising, it has serious implications for providers of homeless services and should be deeply troubling to the policy makers that aim to prevent poverty and homelessness among the elderly through local and federal social welfare programs....

Homelessness among elderly persons will increase substantially over the next decade. There are two primary demographic factors that contribute to the projected increase in homelessness among the elderly. One is the overall growth in the elderly population, which is expected to more than double in size between now [April 2010] and 2050. The other factor is the relative stability in the proportion of the elderly population facing economic vulnerability. Together, these factors signal an increase in elder economic vulnerability and homelessness.


Because of anticipated increases in the elderly homeless population as the general population ages, a projection of the elderly homeless population [has been made] based on the following assumptions:

• The elderly population will increase as projected by the U.S. Census Bureau through 2050.
• The rate of deep poverty in the elderly population will remain constant at 2 percent through 2050, as it has remained since 1975.
• The 2008 ratio of 1 sheltered elderly homeless person to every 22 elderly persons in deep poverty remains constant through 2050.

Elderly chronically homeless people often require intensive service coordination. This helps them transition into permanent housing smoothly and ensures they remain there. Case management is often critical in coordinating care—primary health care, housing assistance, food, and other services can get lost without some assistance and supervision. Elderly homeless people often face barriers to accessing resources and benefits such as Social Security, Medicare, and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). They may not know that they are eligible for such benefits, they may not know where to start, and/or they may have a hard time following up with service providers, meeting appointments, or completing the necessary paperwork due to health limitations (mental or physical). A coordination of services, coupled with housing assistance, can help homeless or formerly homeless seniors age in their own housing with dignity....


The existence of homelessness among the elderly indicates that our safety nets are failing our most vulnerable citizens. However, with thoughtful and strategic planning, we can greatly reduce elderly homelessness and prevent the population at risk from experiencing homelessness. Addressing the unmet housing and service needs of our at-risk and homeless elderly, as well as understanding the characteristics and needs of the elderly population at risk of homelessness can help us end elder homelessness. As a nation, we are judged by how we care for our most vulnerable citizens. It is a failing of public policy that any of our elderly are homeless. To fail to act would be, in short, irresponsible.