According to a new report released by Harvard University's Joint Center for Housing Studies, the United States is ill-prepared to adequately house and care for the growing number of older people. The report warns that without enough government assistance, many older adults will have to forgo needed care or rely on family and friends for assistance, potentially leading to an increase in homelessness among older individuals.

One individual who has experienced the devastating consequences of inadequate housing and health issues is Michael Genaldi. Genaldi's road to homelessness began earlier this year when he was involved in a severe motorcycle accident. The collision left him in a coma for over a month and resulted in the loss of his job as a machine operator. Unable to work and facing mounting medical bills, Genaldi eventually lost his home and found himself living in his truck. To make matters worse, he was recently diagnosed with stage 2 lung cancer. As he navigates the process of qualifying for disability payments, Genaldi now resides temporarily in a shelter for people aged 55 and older in Phoenix.

The report highlights the urgent need for more governmental assistance to address the upsurge of older Americans, particularly the baby boomers born after World War II. In 2021, federal housing assistance programs like Section 8 or Section 202, which provide housing with supportive services for older individuals, were only sufficient for a little more than a third of eligible renters aged 62 and over. The report emphasizes the need for creative ideas to house people with fixed or dwindling incomes, such as house or apartment sharing to cut back on costs, living in accessory dwelling units (ADUs) known as casitas, granny flats, or in-law units, and exploring cohousing communities where individual homes are arranged around a communal space.

The report also sheds light on the financial struggles faced by older adults, both renters and homeowners. In 2021, nearly 11.2 million older adults were considered "cost burdened," meaning they spend more than 30% of their income on housing. Sunbelt areas traditionally popular for retirement, such as Las Vegas, San Diego, Raleigh, Miami, and Daytona Beach, have some of the highest cost-burden rates for renters aged 65 and older. Additionally, the report notes that mortgage debt among older adults is rising, with the median mortgage debt for homeowners aged 65 to 79 increasing by over 400% since 1989. This growing debt indicates a need for older individuals to access cash for basic needs and care.

Moreover, the report highlights the disparities faced by older people of color. Older households belonging to people of color, especially Black and Latino households, are far more likely to be cost burdened compared to older white households. The report also notes that older individuals living alone are more likely to be cost burdened than married or partnered couples.

The story of Angelita Salda?±a, a 56-year-old woman from Phoenix, further illustrates the struggles faced by older individuals. After her marriage fell apart, Salda?±a became homeless and initially lived in her truck with her pet dog, Gaspar. However, she now resides at a 60-bed shelter specifically designed for older individuals. Salda?±a's $941 monthly disability check is insufficient to afford even a studio apartment in the area, where average rents start at around $1,200. While a caseworker is helping her find affordable housing, Salda?±a currently has a motel room to herself with a private bathroom.

Lisa Glow, the CEO for Central Arizona Shelter Services, which operates shelters for the homeless, emphasizes the importance of shelters tailored to meet the needs of aging adults. She highlights the challenges faced by older individuals with chronic conditions in traditional shelters, which often lack adequate space, have limited accessibility, and fail to provide personalized care. Glow recounts the case of an 82-year-old man with dementia who struggled to sleep on a bunk bed at a downtown shelter. After staff members intervened, he was transferred to a skilled nursing facility for more appropriate care.

The report concludes by stressing the urgent need for improved housing and care options for older Americans. As the US expects a significant surge in the population aged 75 and above over the next decade, it is crucial to address the financial struggles faced by older individuals, provide more affordable housing options, and ensure access to necessary services as they age. Failure to do so may result in a growing number of older adults facing homelessness and inadequate care, perpetuating the cycle of vulnerability and inequality.