title: Understanding Health Needs and Perspectives of Middle-Aged and Older Women Experiencing Homelessness.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Middle-aged and older homeless women have unique health and social service delivery needs; yet, limited research has been conducted in this area. The purpose of this study was to assess perspectives among prefrail and frail, middle-aged and older homeless women.
  
  
  METHODS
  Focus group methodology was conducted to assess perspectives among these homeless women (N=20) aged 43 to 62.
  
  
  METHODS
  Sociodemographic and frailty characteristics were assessed by structured instruments, along with mobility, assistive device use and falls.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The average age was 53.4; the majority of the sample was African-American (70%). In total, 60% reported living in a shelter for the last 30 days, while 20% were unsheltered. The majority of the sample reported walking independently (80%) and not using an assistive device (65%). Over one third (35%) fell in the last 30 days and 70% fell in the last year. Content analysis revealed several themes that included (1) health care needs and challenges experienced; (2) perspectives on sexual decision making; (3) employment difficulties; (4) existing support systems; and (5) development of future program planning.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Future research development and implications are discussed.
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California.
authors.forename: Benissa E
authors.initials: BE
authors.lastname: Salem
authors.affiliation: Downtown Women's Center, Los Angeles, California.
authors.forename: Jennifer
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Ma-Pham
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006703:Ill-Housed Persons / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D011637:Public Health Nursing; D036301:Qualitative Research
keywords: aging; frail; health needs; homeless; older; prefrail; women; women's health
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