Seniors

According to the 2020–2022 PiT Count, 27% of people experiencing homelessness are over the age of 50, and 4% are over the age of 65. These percentages have doubled since the 2005–2009 National Shelter Study. Additionally, older adults tended to have longer shelter stays (a month or more) before moving into housing compared to younger adults.

Homelessness among seniors is under researched, but what research exists shows various causes, including financial and health factors. This includes lack of finances to pay for housing (low government assistance, insufficient pensions, etc.), lack of affordable and secure housing (including conversion of apartments into unaffordable condominiums), declining physical health, mental health issues, relationship breakdown, violence, and abuse. The risk of homelessness can also be compounded by the death of a spouse, social isolation, discrimination, or lack of knowledge of benefits and services.

There are also very few homelessness services geared to meet the specific needs of homeless seniors. Seniors experiencing homelessness are more likely to report chronic physical and mental health conditions than older adults who are not homeless. These conditions include depression, dementia, Alzheimer’s, delusional disorders, and delirium, which are the most common mental illnesses among seniors in Canada.

Seniors are a diverse group, and the limited availability of shelter and housing options tailored to their needs leaves them with little choice but to age in settings that do not meet their needs. Although there are shelters and housing programs dedicated to serving seniors, these services are not expanding as rapidly as the homeless population is aging.

To prevent homelessness among seniors, it is essential to bolster their economic security  through increased government assistance, improved pension programs, and access to financial counseling services to help them manage their resources effectively. Initiatives to expand the availability of affordable and secure housing for older adults, as well as measures to protect existing affordable housing stock, are crucial in preventing homelessness. Additionally, comprehensive healthcare services, including mental health support, should be readily accessible to seniors to address health-related factors contributing to homelessness. Finally, community-based outreach programs and education efforts should be implemented to raise awareness among seniors about available benefits and services, empowering them to proactively seek assistance before their housing situation becomes precarious.