The Age Structure of Contemporary Homelessness: Evidence and Implications For Public Policy

Abstract

Amidst concern about the implications of an aging U.S. population, recent evidence suggests that there is a unique aging trend among the homeless population. Building on this, we use data from New York City and from the last three decennial Census enumerations to assess how the age composition of the homeless population-both single adults and adults in families-has changed over time. Findings show diverging trends in aging patterns for single adults and adults in families over the past 20 years. Among single adults, the bulk of the sheltered population is comprised of persons born during the latter part of the baby boom era whose high risk for homelessness has continued as they have aged. Specifically, the age group in this population facing the highest risk for homelessness was 34Age Structure of Homelessness 229 modal age across the study period remains at 21-23 years of age. We consider implications for the health care and social welfare systems, and policy responses to homelessness.

Comparing the Characteristics of Homeless Adults in Poland and the United States

“…But this appears to be the case. While the factors outlined by Culhane et al (2013) to explain why this cohort has been at risk in the US generally do not seem to apply in the Polish context, there are other important factors that could explain this cohort risk in Poland, as well as across both the US and Poland.…”

“…This parallel could be the result of a similar birth cohort effect associated with the baby boom generation in both nations. Culhane et al (2013) recently analyzed the aging of the homeless population in the US based on 22 years of shelter utilization data for single homeless adults in New York City and 20 years of US Census information on the size of the adult male population found in homeless shelters. Similar results were found based on these two different large datasets.…”

“…Many failed to prosper in this competitive job and housing market and many became homeless as a result. As Culhane et al (2013) note, it was not necessarily the case that the same individuals experienced long-term or repeated homelessness throughout the past few decades. Rather, in both nations, the late babyboomers, as an at-risk cohort, were more likely to show up in the homeless population at any point in time.…”

“…Recent health care reforms, such as the Affordable Care Act, may improve this situation in the US. However, as Culhane et al (2013) note, the health care system in the US is likely to experience some serious stresses due to the aging of the homeless population in the coming decades.…”

Tobacco Cessation Behaviors Among Older Homeless Adults: Results From the HOPE HOME Study

“…11 Despite increased tobacco-related morbidity and mortality among older homeless adults, little is known about tobacco use and cessation behaviors in this population. Prior research on tobacco use in the homeless population has focused on younger adults, where the average age of study participants in previous studies was less than 44 years.…”