Homelessness doesn't only happen to young people but also affects older adults in growing numbers, write authors in an analysis in CMAJ ( Canadian Medical Association Journal ) that describes this emerging crisis https://www.cmaj.ca/lookup/doi/10.

1503/cmaj.231493 . People experiencing homelessness are considered older adults at age 50, as visible aging is often evident at younger ages in individuals experiencing homelessness compared with individuals who have secure housing.

Individuals experiencing homelessness often develop chronic medical conditions earlier, as well as age-related conditions like cognitive impairment. As well, the risk of premature death for older people experiencing homelessness is 3.5 times higher than for those who are housed, and the risk is especially high for people experiencing homelessness for the first time late in life.

In 2021, 32% of people in Canadian shelters were aged 50 and older. There are also many older people living outdoors or living temporarily with friends or family. " Older adults experiencing homelessness deserve shelter policies and government strategies that consider their care needs, and age-friendly shelters that have adequate physical environments, appropriate staffing, and access to required medical services," writes Dr.

Jillian Alston, a geriatrician at St. Michael's Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, with coauthors. " Older adults experiencing homelessness may have faced substantial marginalization, dehumanization, and structu.