A qualitative systematic review on the experiences of homelessness among older adults

• Published in: BMC geriatrics Vol. 22; no. 1; p. 363
• Main Authors: Om, Phuntsho, Whitehead, Lisa, Vafeas, Caroline, Towell-Barnard, Amanda
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England BioMed Central Ltd 25.04.2022; BioMed Central; BMC
• Subjects: Affordable housing; Aged; Ageing; Aging; Costs; Demographic aspects; Environmental aspects; Experience; Geriatrics; Health and wellbeing; Homeless people; Homeless Persons; Homelessness; Homes and haunts; Humans; Mental health; Needs; Older adults; Older people; Qualitative Research; Reviews; Social aspects; Systematic review; Well being; Australia; United States > US; Homelessness; Experience; Health and wellbeing; Ageing; Needs; Systematic review; Qualitative; Older adults
• ISSN: 1471-2318; 1471-2318
• DOI: 10.1186/s12877-022-02978-9

Adults who experience homelessness for an extended period of time also experience accelerated ageing and other negative impacts on their general health and wellbeing. Homelessness amongst older adults is on the rise, yet there are few systematic reviews investigating their experiences. Thus, this review classifies and synthesises qualitative research findings of studies published between 1990 to 2020 that have examined the needs and challenges of homeless older adults to elucidate their journey of homelessness. Seven papers met the requirements for inclusion. Three main themes were identified in the review: - (1) Pathways to homelessness, (2) Impact of homelessness, and (3) Outcomes and resolutions. This review collates current evidence on what is known about the experience of homelessness among older adults. In this study, homeless older adults identified a wide range of challenges associated with the experience of homelessness.