American adults 50 and older are the fastest growing group falling into homelessness. Last week, in part 1 of this story, we covered the factors fueling this rise. This week – we talk about why this population is especially vulnerable out on the streets and why it’s so hard to find a way back once you’re in this position.
Guest Information:
- Dennis Culhane, professor, social policy, University of Pennsylvania
- Dr. Margot Kushel, primary care physician, professor, medicine, University of California – San Francisco, division chief, UCSF Center for Vulnerable Populations, director, Benioff Homelessness and Housing Initiative.
Wow, this article really hit home – the detail that over half the unhoused population are older adults is just staggering. It’s a reminder of how easily life circumstances can shift, and highlighting aging at-risk groups is crucial. Surely there are preventative measures that could be scaled as we deal with this pressing societal emergency; what policies exist that have the evidence base for preventative action?