The Aging Face of Homelessness
It’s deeply upsetting to see so many older adults facing homelessness. The rising numbers are disheartening and highlight the urgent need for compassion and understanding. Over the next few weeks, the Social Action Ministry will take a closer look at the factors contributing to this troubling trend and its profound impact on the lives of those affected. It’s important to remember that the increasing population of older homeless individuals mainly includes younger baby boomers who are now in their late 50s and 60s.
When this generation entered the workforce, it faced several economic challenges, including the late 1970s and early 1980s recessions and the Great Recession in 2008. Additionally, these “boomers” started their careers during a time of declining union participation, which left many low-wage workers without employment protections or pensions. As a result, workers encountered rising income inequality and stagnant wages. For instance, after adjusting for inflation, today’s minimum wage is worth 40% less than in 1970.
Mass incarceration took a troubling turn in the 1970s and 1980s, with the prison population nearly doubling from 329,000 to 627,000 between 1980 and 1988. While it received little attention, the rise of mass incarceration was a phenomenon that has affected the entire country for four decades. This alarming rise has had devastating effects, particularly on communities of color, which have faced disproportionate rates of incarceration both then and now. According to Pew Research, the number of people 55 or older in state and federal prisons increased by 280% from 1999 to 2016. Formerly incarcerated people are almost 10 times more likely to be homeless than the general public.
Aging individuals experiencing homelessness typically fall into two groups: early-onset and late-onset homelessness. Those with early- onset homelessness reported extremely challenging childhoods filled with hardship and adversity. Many had developed mental health and substance use disorders early in life, had limited formal education, and encountered significant time in the criminal justice system. They experienced long stretches of homelessness that then followed them into later life.
Individuals experiencing late-onset homelessness often have unique stories. Many have lived in poverty throughout their adult lives but maintained long histories of employment, typically in low-paying, physically demanding jobs. Sometime after age 50, they experienced a setback: the breakdown of a marriage, a job loss, illness (theirs, or their spouse or partner), or the death of their spouse, partner, or parent. With little or no savings and difficulty in securing work as an older adult, coupled with the limited availability of affordable housing, they suddenly find themselves confronting homelessness for the very first time.
The lack of affordable housing significantly contributes to the rise of homelessness in Ohio. Privatizing the housing market, gentrification efforts, and restrictive zoning laws have all contributed to the decreased availability of low-cost housing units. In 2018, Ohio faced a deficit of 256,875 affordable units, with only 44 options available for every 100 extremely low-income (ELI) households. It’s heartbreaking to know that over 70% of Ohio’s lowest earners spend more than 50% of their income on rent, categorizing them as severely cost-burdened. With what’s left of their income, they struggle to afford essentials such as food, clothing, transportation, and medical needs. Low-income housing options are in high demand and remain unattainable for many low-income older adults. When they can no longer handle these financial burdens, the inevitable next step leads to homelessness.
If we genuinely want to follow the Lord’s example, we must understand the struggles of people living in poverty and work towards solutions to improve their lives.
Accelerated Aging - Continuing our focus on aging and homelessness, studies across the U.S. have shown a clear upward trend in the proportion of ‘older’ persons’ (aged 50-64) among the homeless population. This is a group that frequently falls between the cracks of governmental safety nets. They are not old enough to qualify for Social Security and Medicare, however, homelessness accelerates the aging process and worsens health. When their physical health is attacked by poor nutrition and severe living conditions, they may eventually resemble someone much older. In fact, this group often has health issues like housed persons 10-20 years older. Older homeless adults have higher rates of geriatric syndromes, including problems performing daily activities, walking, vision, and hearing, cognitive deficits, as well as falls and frailty when compared to the general population. This affects their ability to obtain and maintain steady employment.
Network Challenges - Many low-income people also experience “network impoverishment.” It’s not just that they are poor, but so many others in their familial and social circles share the same plight. People at risk of experiencing homelessness are less likely to have people who can provide personal safety nets for them.
Discrimination - Structural racism and discrimination worsen the situation of Black and Latino unhoused individuals. The criminalization of Black and Latino communities has decreased housing, employment, and education opportunities for these individuals, leading to an increased chance of becoming homeless.
To summarize, homelessness in older adults can stem from many different circumstances, and everyone has their own story. What is most important is that they are all cherished children of God. We are called to support them when
we can, showing kindness, respect, and understanding, especially when we
meet someone who is facing difficult
times. Let’s approach each situation with empathy, recognizing the humanity and
dignity in everyone we encounter.