Elderly Homeless

Abstract

This research report compares characteristics of older homeless adults (age 55 and older) with younger homeless and examines gender differences within each age group. Data are drawn from intake interviews of 3,132 clients presenting at a local homeless center during a 3-year period. The authors find that older and younger clients differ significantly on many important characteristics, such as access to income, the duration of the current homeless episode, patterns of alcohol and substance abuse, and a history of having been in prison. There are also significant gender differences within age groups. The data suggest that pathways to homelessness among older women may be more crisis driven than those of men, whereas older men are more vulnerable to being chronically homeless than are older women. The findings highlight the necessity of considering age differences as well as gender differences among the homeless population in designing programs to reintegrate clients into stable living situations.

Perceptions of Students about Younger and Older Men and Women who May Be Homeless

“…Older and younger men were perceived to be more likely than women of any age to be substance abusers. This perception mirrors the estimates offered by Hecht and Coyle (2001) in that homeless males are more likely to abuse ethanol, but it is younger homeless males and females that are more likely to abuse nonethanol substances. While older women were perceived as least likely to be substance abusers, they were most likely to be perceived as living on the street because they cannot afford to live in another place.…”

“…Yet, there are more homeless young people than older homeless persons (Dietz, 2009;Hecht & Coyle, 2001; National Coalition for the Homeless, 2009). The most likely explanation is that there are lower rates of poverty for older adults than for younger persons and children (Dietz).…”

“…When men or women do not assume expected gender roles or follow expected gender norms, they are perceived to have committed a gender transgression (Sirin, McCreary, & Mahalik, 2004). Homeless men are not viewed as successful or dominant and homeless women are not viewed as emotionally connected and expressive (Cougnard et al, 2006;Dietz, 2009;Eyrich-Garg et al, 2008;Hecht & Coyle, 2001;B. A. Lee & Farrell, 2003;Tompsett et al, 2006;Toro et al, 2007;Wolff & Stuber, 2002).…”

“…Older males are far more likely to be veterans than other homeless persons with substance or mental health concerns (Hecht & Coyle, 2001).…”

Palliative Care for the Homeless: An intervention to reduce the healthcare economic cost

“…3 As the population ages, the homeless population is expected to grow as well due to the loss of pension, the continuing economic downturn of 2008, and the lack of stable residency. 6,7 Additionally, an increase in the absolute numbers of homeless people will intensify the economic burden directly associated with them. This will further affect the health care system and thus the entire population of Ontario and Canada, contributing to the increased economic burden on Canada's potentially unsustainable health care system.…”