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Predictors of Homelessness among Older Adults in New York City

Disability, Economic, Human and Social Capital and Stressful Events

New York University, USA, beth.shinn{at}nyu.edu

Jamie Gottlieb

New York University, USA

Jessica L. Wett

New York University, USA

Ajay Bahl

New York University, USA

Arnold Cohen

The Partnership for the Homeless, USA

Deborah Baron Ellis

The Partnership for the Homeless, USA

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.

Key Words: aging • disability • homelessness • life events • social capital

Journal of Health Psychology, Vol. 12, No. 5, 696-708 (2007)
DOI: 10.1177/1359105307080581


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