What Is Gray Homelessness?
Photo Credit: Africa Studio - stock.adobe.com After a lifetime of hard work, scrimping and saving, one is entitled to a reasonable expectation of rest and recreation in their golden years. However, for many seniors, these expectations are out of reach. Indeed, a growing number of Americans ages 65 or older are experiencing homelessness for the first time. This blog post will discuss what gray homelessness is, why it is happening and what may be done to stem the proverbial “gray wave.” How Prevalent Is Gray Homelessness? According to the United States Government Accountability Office , more than 770,000 people experienced homelessness at some point during 2024 and, of that population, approximately 20 percent were older adults, i.e. ages 55 and up. By that math, approximately 156,000 older adults were homeless last year. Based on preliminary data, that number is rising. Why Are Americans Falling Into Gray Homelessness? While many of the instigating factors ...