Predictors of homelessness among older adults in New York city: disability, economic, human and social capital and stressful events.
We interviewed 61 housed and 79 homeless adults aged 55 and over about disability; economic, human and social capital; and stressful life events prior to becoming homeless. Over half of the homeless group had previously led conventional lives. Human capital, social capital and life events were more important than disability or economic capital in predicting homelessness. The homeless adults were younger, more likely to be male and better educated than housed adults, but had shorter job tenure and fewer social ties. Homeless adults faced multiple, cascading risks, including job loss and housing loss. Implications for prevention are discussed.
Shinn
Marybeth
M
New York University, 715 Broadway, New York, NY 10003, USA. beth.shinn@nyu.edu
Gottlieb
Jamie
J
Wett
Jessica L
JL
Bahl
Ajay
A
Cohen
Arnold
A
Baron Ellis
Deborah
D
D006233:Persons with Disabilities / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005006:Ethnicity / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D006703:Ill-Housed Persons / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006798:Housing; D006801:Humans; D008016:Life Change Events; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009519:New York City / Q000453:epidemiology; D011593:Psychology, Social; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012944:Social Support; D012946:Social Welfare; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000150:complications; D014505:Urban Population / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*