Predicting increases in pre-senior and senior homeless populations to inform adaptations in shelter service provision

• In Event: 4365 - Social Policies to Mitigate Health Inequalities Among Older Adults Around the World

Abstract

Homelessness is not a homogenous problem; nor are those experiencing homelessness a homogenous group. Research shows a marked increase in the proportion of the homeless population aged 50; Seniors (65+) and pre-seniors (50-64) are the only demographic age groups across Canada to experience increased shelter use over the past 10 years. This group represents a combined 24.4% of shelter users. Elderly individuals tend to exhibit longer durations of stay in shelter. There is a critical need for a better understanding of aging homeless populations and their service needs. Using data collected from a larger urban men’s shelter in Canada, we comparatively analyzed number of services users, the number of bed-nights, length of shelter stay, age distributions, and mental and physical health of two samples of service users from 2009 and 2015 to explore trends in pre-senior and senior services users compared to the general population. Then we conducted a time series analysis to forecast increases in the aging homeless population three years ahead. Our results were commensurate with prior research in showing that pre-senior and senior service users used more bed-nights, experienced longer shelter stays and reported worse physical health than younger shelter users. Our forecasting model predicted that three years out, the shelter population would be 60% individuals over age 50. This finding suggests the need to adapt shelter service provision to meet the specific needs of the aging with a focus on physical health, mobility supports, and income supports for individuals who are not eligible for income support for individuals 65+. Population trends show an increase in the elderly that will be reflected in homelessness as well as the general population. Service providers will have to accommodate a variety of life-course needs that differ greatly from younger populations.

Authors

• Katherine Maurer, McGill University

• Hannah Brais, Old Brewery Mission