Lifelong Instability and Perceived Risk of Future Homelessness in Older Adults

Abstract

Housing has long been considered a social determinant of individual and population health. Older adults with low incomes face several challenges to maintaining stable, affordable housing. Using data from a previous explanatory study of older adults waitlisted for housing assistance (n = 267), we explore individual characteristics and themes associated with older adults’ perceived housing instability and risk of future homelessness. This mixed-methods study identifies salient themes of financial insecurity, age discrimination, employment and health, interpersonal relationships, and trauma. Our analysis and findings highlight experiences of instability over the life course related to older adults’ current housing circumstances.

Keywords:

• Cumulative disadvantage
• housing instability
• life course
• low-income older adults
• rental assistance

Acknowledgments

We acknowledge Dr. Ozcan Tunalilar for his support and guidance on multiple chained imputation procedures. Additionally, we extend gratitude to the survey and interview respondents, who took time and effort to share their stories and experiences and participate in this study.

Disclosure statement

The authors have no conflicts of interest to disclose.

Additional information

Funding

The original study was supported by a faculty development grant to Dr. Carder from Portland State University. There was no funding for secondary data analysis.