The Basics
This age and above is defined as 'older adults' in homelessness studies.
What is 55 years?
This rising cost is a major driver of elder homelessness.
What is rising housing costs/rent?
Housing that includes ramps and grab bars is considered this type of housing.
What is accessible housing?
This term refers to the ability of an individual to handle money and savings.
What is financial literacy?
Older adults rely on this as a source of fixed income.
What is Social Security?
Improving shelters to make them more accessible is an example of this type of solution (short vs long term).
What is a short term solution?
Many older adults experiencing homelessness lack this type of financial safety net.
What are savings/retirement funds?
A major life event that may ultimately lead to homelessness.
What is job loss/death of a spouse/medical issues?
This government program can help fund in-home care for older adults.
What is Medicaid?
The fraction of homeless individuals over 55 years of age.
What is 1 in 5 (20%)?
Spending over half of their income on this puts older adults at risk.
What is housing?
This style of bed, common in shelters, can pose accessibility challenges to older adults.
What are bunk beds?
Homelessness overall increased by this percentage from 2023 to 2024.
What is 18%?
This financial burden can result from long-term hospital stays and/or expensive procedures.
What is medical debt?
Living in a shelter may limit access to this important health resource.
What is healthcare/medications/long-term care services?