Housing Hardship Among Older Adults Living Alone: The Protective Roles of Aging and Housing Policies

Abstract

This study investigates the association between living arrangements and housing hardship among older adults across 21 high-income countries. Using data from the Gallup World Poll (2016–2020) and OECD databases, we employ multilevel regression models that can assess how individual- and country-level factors, including public spending on pensions and housing policies such as social housing stock and rent control, moderate these associations. Older adults living alone experience significantly higher rates of housing hardship compared to their counterparts, even after adjusting for demographic and economic factors. Public spending on old age pensions attenuates housing hardship for older adults living alone. While public spending on housing shows limited effectiveness, social housing availability and rent control emerge as protective measures, reducing housing hardship among older adults living alone by providing stable and affordable housing options. This study emphasizes the need for targeted interventions to support independent living.