Late-Life Homelessness: Experiences of Disadvantage and Unequal Aging

Late-Life Homelessness is the first Canadian book to address this often neglected issue, drawing attention to disadvantage over time and how the condition of being unhoused disrupts a person's ability to age in place. It demonstrates how structures, organizational practices, and relationships related to homelessness and aging come to shape late life, stressing the moral imperative of responding justly to the needs of older people to mitigate the unequal aging of unhoused elders.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 352 pages
Publication date: 15 January 2022
Publisher: McGill-Queen's University Press

Late-life homelessness is a growing issue worldwide, with older people often overlooked in public policy, programs, and homeless strategies. In her book, Late-Life Homelessness: An Ethnographic Study in Montreal, Canada, Amanda Grenier explores the lives of older people who are unhoused, using a critical gerontological perspective to highlight the disadvantages they face and the disruption it causes to their ability to age in place. Drawing from policy documents, stakeholder insights, observations, and interviews with older people, Grenier demonstrates how structures, organizational practices, and relationships related to homelessness and aging shape late life. The book emphasizes the moral imperative of responding justly to the needs of older people to mitigate the unequal aging of unhoused elders in the context of an aging population, rising inequality, and declining social commitments.

Late-life homelessness is a complex issue that affects many older people worldwide. In Canada, it is particularly prevalent in urban areas, where older individuals may face a range of challenges, including poverty, discrimination, and social isolation. This book aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of late-life homelessness in Canada, exploring its causes, consequences, and potential solutions.

One of the key findings of the book is that late-life homelessness is not just a result of individual factors but is also influenced by broader social and economic trends. For example, the increasing prevalence of poverty and income inequality in many countries has contributed to an increase in older people experiencing homelessness. Additionally, changes in healthcare and social welfare policies have made it more difficult for older people to access affordable housing and support services.

The consequences of late-life homelessness are significant and far-reaching. Older people who are unhoused are at a higher risk of physical health problems, including chronic illnesses, infections, and injuries. They are also more likely to experience mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety, and dementia. Moreover, homelessness can lead to social isolation and loneliness, which can have a negative impact on an individual's overall well-being.

One of the challenges in addressing late-life homelessness is the lack of recognition and understanding of the issue among policymakers, service providers, and the general public. Many people view homelessness as a problem primarily affecting younger individuals, and older people are often overlooked or stigmatized. This can lead to a lack of resources and support for older people who are unhoused, making it difficult for them to find safe and stable housing.

To address late-life homelessness in Canada, there are several potential solutions. One approach is to increase the availability of affordable housing and support services for older people. This can include the development of new affordable housing units, the expansion of existing housing programs, and the provision of support services such as healthcare, mental health, and social work.

Another approach is to address the root causes of late-life homelessness, such as poverty and income inequality. This can involve implementing policies that promote economic growth and job creation, as well as investing in social welfare programs that provide support to vulnerable individuals and families.

In addition, it is important to raise awareness and educate the public about the issue of late-life homelessness. This can involve promoting empathy and understanding among individuals and communities, as well as advocating for policies that prioritize the needs of older people.

Finally, it is essential to work towards creating a more inclusive and supportive society for older people. This can involve promoting age-friendly policies and practices, such as accessible transportation and housing, as well as providing opportunities for social engagement and participation.

In conclusion, late-life homelessness is a complex issue that affects many older people worldwide. In Canada, it is particularly prevalent in urban areas, where older individuals may face a range of challenges, including poverty, discrimination, and social isolation. This book aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of late-life homelessness in Canada, exploring its causes, consequences, and potential solutions. By increasing the availability of affordable housing and support services, addressing the root causes of homelessness, raising awareness and education, and creating a more inclusive and supportive society, we can work towards reducing the prevalence of late-life homelessness and improving the well-being of older people.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780228008361