Rising Homelessness Among Over-60s in the UK Highlights Housing Crisis
Homelessness among people over 60 is increasing in the UK as the housing crisis worsens, with charities warning of growing vulnerability in this age group. Individuals such as Edith Gomes Munda, 61, face frequent moves due to rent rises and landlords selling properties, with long social housing waiting lists and concerns about relying solely on a pension.
St Mungo's has reported a rise in the number of over-65s seeking emergency housing, including an 87-year-old client, but there is concern that age-related vulnerability is not consistently prioritized for accommodation. Council cuts and a shortage of social housing mean that single older homeless applicants often do not receive priority despite their vulnerability.
The Salvation Army notes that about 10% of residents in its housing are over 55, with many turning to homelessness services as mortgages disappear and benefits remain frozen. Cases such as Raymond, 63, who slept in his car for seven weeks following a marriage breakdown and was repeatedly told he was not a priority, illustrate worsening health outcomes linked to homelessness in older age.
There is increasing concern that planning is needed for palliative and end-of-life care as more homeless older people enter terminal stages of illness while living in unstable housing. Crisis data reveal that 17% of older people cannot retire due to housing costs, with older-person homelessness in England having increased by over 50% in five years and a 35% rise in over-55s in temporary accommodation since March 2022.
The causes include a deepening housing crisis, reduced home ownership, and rising rents combined with frozen benefits, putting older renters at risk of eviction or unaffordable housing. The government's long-term housing strategy has been delayed until March next year, and experts argue it must prioritize the housing needs of older people.
