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.
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.
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