Why are so many seniors in San Diego aging without a home? | NBC 7 San Diego

Summary

NBC San Diego reports on the escalating crisis of senior homelessness in California, where the aging population faces unaffordable housing costs and inadequate social security. With a 29% increase in unsheltered seniors from 2017 to 2021, the report highlights the harsh living conditions and the struggle for basic needs, such as food and medicine. The lack of affordable housing and healthcare access is exacerbating the situation, with mental health issues and substance abuse becoming prevalent coping mechanisms. Experts emphasize the urgency of addressing the housing crisis to prevent a worsening of the situation.

Takeaways

• 🏠 The number of seniors aged 55 and older living on the streets in California has made up a third of the unsheltered population, increasing by 84% between 2017 and 2021.
• 📈 Seniors are the fastest-growing group among the unhoused population in California, with a significant increase in homelessness among this demographic.
• 💼 Many seniors experiencing homelessness for the first time are facing tough choices due to fixed incomes and rising living costs.
• 🚫 Homelessness is not just a result of long-term issues; it's also a consequence of recent life events like illness, job loss, or the death of a partner.
• 🛌 Homeless seniors often have to live in their vehicles or makeshift shelters, facing harsh living conditions and limited access to basic needs.
• 🏥 Health issues are exacerbated by homelessness, with seniors experiencing premature aging and a range of illnesses due to the lack of proper care and living conditions.
• 🤔 The crisis is multifaceted, involving not only housing affordability but also mental health, substance abuse, and the lack of adequate support systems.
• 🏢 There is a critical shortage of affordable senior housing, with many seniors unable to find suitable and affordable places to live.
• 💊 Homelessness can lead to a disconnection from the healthcare system, resulting in untreated health conditions and a worsening of mental health.
• 🔍 The situation is expected to worsen before it improves, with projections indicating a tripling of homelessness among people aged 65 and older by 2030.
• 🏛️ Solutions involve a focus on housing affordability, increasing subsidies, and creating more housing options to prevent seniors from becoming homeless.

Q & A

What is the focus of the NBC San Diego news report?

The focus of the NBC San Diego news report is the growing crisis of homelessness among seniors in California, particularly in San Diego, and the challenges they face due to aging without a home.

Why are seniors becoming the fastest-growing group among the unhoused population in California?

Seniors are becoming the fastest-growing group among the unhoused population in California due to a combination of factors, including the rising cost of housing, fixed incomes that can't keep up with living expenses, and a lack of affordable housing options.

What percentage of the unsheltered population in California is made up of people aged 55 and older?

People aged 55 and older make up about a third of the unsheltered population in California.

How has the number of seniors seeking homelessness services changed between 2017 and 2021 according to California's homeless data integration system?

Between 2017 and 2021, the number of seniors aged 55 and over seeking homelessness services increased by 84%.

What are the tough choices seniors on a fixed income often have to make due to the high cost of living in San Diego?

Seniors on a fixed income often have to make tough choices between food, medicine, and housing due to the high cost of living in San Diego.

What is the situation that Chuck Scott, a 69-year-old, finds himself in, and how does he describe his living conditions?

Chuck Scott, a 69-year-old, has been living out of his truck for the past two years. He describes his living conditions as inconvenient, needing to shower at people's houses and finding places to eat, and uncomfortable sleeping arrangements.

What is the role of Teresa Smith, CEO of Dreams for Change, and what does she say about the senior population in her organization's safe sleeping lots?

Teresa Smith is the CEO of Dreams for Change, a nonprofit running San Diego Safe Sleeping, which offers safe legal camping spaces for people experiencing homelessness. She says that at least 45% of the individuals currently housed in their lots are 55 and older.

What are the health implications of living on the streets for seniors, according to Dr. Margo Cuselle?

According to Dr. Margo Cuselle, living on the streets prematurely ages and sickens people. Seniors in their 50s and 60s who are homeless often have health issues that resemble those of people in their 70s and 80s in the general population, including cognitive decline, mobility problems, and other age-related issues.

What is the impact of homelessness on mental health, and how do some seniors cope with it?

Homelessness can exacerbate mental health issues, with many experiencing depression, anxiety, and substance abuse as coping mechanisms. Some seniors turn to substances like methamphetamines to stay awake and alcohol to help with anxiety and fear.

What does Dr. Margo Cuselle suggest is the fundamental issue leading to homelessness for seniors?

Dr. Margo Cuselle suggests that the fundamental issue leading to homelessness for seniors is the inability to pay for housing, which is a direct result of low benefits, low minimum wage, and a lack of pensions for many who have worked their whole lives.

What is the projected increase in the number of seniors experiencing homelessness between 2017 and 2030?

It is projected that the number of seniors aged 65 and older experiencing homelessness will triple between 2017 and 2030.