Aging: All Related Resources

A recent special report released by the UCSF Benioff Homelessness and Housing Initiative on older adult homelessness found that nearly half of California's homeless population is now 50 and older. These older adults are staying homeless for longer and are in poorer health than their younger peers. Margot Kushel, MD, director of the UCSF Benioff Homelessness and Housing Initiative, said, "These are people living on fixed incomes, on disability, on really meager pensions, and they really need housing that they can afford."

Among people experiencing homelessness in California, nearly half of the population is now over the age of 50. By 50, a homeless person’s health more closely resembles that of someone in their 70s, with a higher chance of chronic disease, mobility issues, and cognitive decline, according to a recent special report released by the UCSF Benioff Homelessness and Housing Initiative on older adult homelessness. Margot Kushel, MD, director of the UCSF Benioff Homelessness and Housing Initiative, said, "We could meaningfully reduce the number of people experiencing homelessness if we focused on this group."

Among people experiencing homelessness in California, the group rising the fastest by proportion is older adults. A recent special report released by the UCSF Benioff Homelessness and Housing Initiative on older adult homelessness highlights their experiences during homelessness, and what impacted their return to permanent housing. Margot Kushel, MD, director of the UCSF Benioff Homelessness and Housing Initiative, said, "The dramatic rise in homelessness among older adults has severe consequences for the health and safety of those who experience it and for our society at large. Now is the time for investments in real solutions to prevent and end homelessness among this vulnerable population."

Californians experiencing homelessness are aging, presenting unique challenges. A recent special report released by the UCSF Benioff Homelessness and Housing Initiative on older adult homelessness highlights their experiences during homelessness, and what impacted their return to permanent housing. Margot Kushel, MD, director of the UCSF Benioff Homelessness and Housing Initiative, said, "The older you are when you first become homeless, sort of the more stuck in homelessness you get."