Older Australians experiencing homelessness statistics
Australia’s aging population
On Census night in 2021, 21.5 per cent of the Australian population were aged 55-74 (nicknamed Baby Boomer generation) and 7.5 per cent were 75 years and over (nicknamed Interwar generation)
In general, an older Australian refers to someone aged 65 and over. This aligns with eligibility for the age pension (roughly 65-67 years, depending on a person’s year of birth and the state or territory policy).
However, when examining research in relation to homelessness, sources such as the Australian Bureau of Statistics and Australian Institute of Health and Welfare consider anyone aged 55 and over to be classed as an ‘older Australian’. This is because the disadvantages and effects associated with homelessness or insecure housing can cause poor physical and/or mental health conditions that would usually be associated with older age.
How many older people are experiencing homelessness?
One in seven people (16 per cent) experiencing homelessness were aged 55 years and over in the 2021 Census (source: 2021, ABS Census).
The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) 2021 Census shows where people were living. Of older females aged 55 and over who are experiencing homelessness:
- 27 per cent are staying temporarily with other households
- 31 per cent are living in ‘severely’ crowded dwellings
Men are more likely to be living in improvised dwellings, tents or sleeping out than women: 12 per cent compared to 8 per cent. However, most males 55 and over who are experiencing homelessness are living in boarding houses — 37 per cent.
Why do older Australians experience homelessness?
For some older Australians, homelessness has been an ongoing feature of their lives. That is, they may have experienced episodes of homelessness in the past and are once again in that situation. However, for many others, homelessness, or the risk of it, is a new situation.
According to research gathered by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) for their annual report in 2021-22 on older clients, major setbacks late in life can contribute to an experience of homelessness for older people. This may include the breakdown of a marriage, job loss, death of a partner or development of an illness — any of which could deplete savings or cause severe housing stress to someone surviving on an age pension.
The AIHW also identifies that older women are particularly prone to becoming at risk of homelessness. One contributing factor to this is a lifetime of lower earnings than men — in general, women are more likely to have taken time out of the workforce or worked on a part-time basis due to family caregiving roles. When a major setback occurs or a crisis such as a family and domestic violence incident, the path towards homelessness can be more significantly detrimental for women.
Statistics about people over 55 at risk of or experiencing homelessness
In 2022, The Salvation Army’s homelessness services assisted nearly 37,000 people:
- One in 10 (11 per cent) were aged 55+
- Nearly one in 20 (4 per cent) were exclusively women and aged 55+
Source: The Salvation Army, Homelessness stream analysis, June 2023
The state and territory governments have prioritised support and intervention initiatives for older Australians who are experiencing homelessness. The Salvation Army, as one of the largest providers of Specialist Homelessness Services, aligns with this. This strategic action stems from the growing numbers of older people being at risk of, or experiencing, homelessness.
The top three main reasons older clients sought assistance from Specialist Homelessness Services agencies in 2021-22 were:
- Housing crisis – 22 per cent
- Financial difficulties – 16 per cent
- Family and domestic violence – 14 per cent
The services were able to support older people’s needs, with requests including:
- Short-term or emergency accommodation — 27 per cent
- Family/domestic violence assistance — 14 per cent
- Material aid — 32 per cent
- Long-term housing — 39 per cent
Challenges for older people experiencing housing stress
Housing affordability and housing stress are contributing factors to older people becoming at risk of homelessness (see data above from AIHW).
The Anglicare Rental Affordability Snapshot 2023 surveyed 45,895 rental property listings across Australia on 17 March 2023. An affordable home is classed as one where rent is no more than 30 per cent of a household budget. When an individual or family is spending more than 30 per cent of their income on rent or a mortgage repayment, they are classed as being in housing stress.
The snapshot statistics show how challenging it is for older people to find an affordable place to live if they are seeking a home to rent. They revealed:
- For a couple on the age pension (no children), 1.1 per cent of rental listings were classed as affordable
- This dropped to 0.4 per cent for a single person on the age pension
Older people at risk of or experiencing homelessness – Salvation Army statistics
The Salvation Army conducted a study of people who sought assistance from a Salvation Army Emergency Relief centre over a 12-month period. The research has been released in a report called The Red Shield Report 2023: At breaking point.
The statistics showed that among respondents aged 55 years and over:
- More than seven in 10 (71 per cent) were experiencing housing stress — spending more than 30 per cent of their disposable income on housing, putting them at increased risk of housing instability and homelessness
- More than one in five (21 per cent) were behind on their rent, mortgage or board payments, and over 75 per cent of those in arrears were behind by up to four weeks
Additionally, 90 per cent of people on an age pension who sought assistance from a Salvation Army Emergency Relief centre reported difficulty with meeting living expenses.
Unfortunately, housing stress or an inability to make repayments are not the only pressures that can place someone at risk of homelessness. Unsuitable living arrangements can cause physical health problems or mental health problems — including anxiety, depression and loneliness — and this makes finding and maintaining safe and suitable housing challenging.
“It has been extremely stressful as well as making my health worse. Our landlord increased our rent $200 a week so we had to leave. We have been trying for three months to secure a new rental, so far without success. I am 75 and terrified I will have to sleep in my car on the beach. We are homeless except for staying at a friend’s house while she is away for three weeks.”
— 75-year-old female respondent to The Salvation Army research study, At Breaking Point
“Struggling with the cost of living is severely impacting my mental health. I am constantly worrying how I can obtain food security and how I can access affordable housing. I get very scared of becoming homeless and not providing a home and food and security for myself and my daughter … I am trying everything to rise up, but I just can't. My life is very demoralising.”
— 59-year-old female respondent to The Salvation Army research study, At Breaking Point
Thankfully, there is always hope and the Salvos are there to help older people who are at risk of or experiencing homelessness. We see homelessness affecting people of all ages and demographics — and do not want to see anyone struggling alone.
Our homelessness services provide wraparound support to individuals and families — addressing cost-of-living issues, housing crises, domestic and family violence situations, and substance use. We have a strong focus on helping people to maintain or find suitable housing and, through our casework model, guide people through their challenges and towards their goals.
You can help us end homelessness for people over and under 55.