Ageing in a housing crisis: Older people's insecurity and homelessness in Australia

This report focuses on the intersection of two concurrent trends that are acting to reshape the experience of ageing in Australia. The first of these is the structural ageing of the Australian population itself – the growth in the proportion of people aged 55 years and over living in Australia, in real terms. The second is Australia’s housing crisis – a crisis of housing affordability and accessibility that is affecting homeownership and rental tenures across metropolitan and regional communities, households of all types, and people across the lifecourse, including the ability of older people living in Australia to age well. Critically, this report refocuses attention on systemic challenges within the housing system that underpin the increasing burden of housing insecurity and, in some cases, homelessness, borne by people living in Australia as they age. Drawing on the most recent national Census data and homelessness estimates reported by the Australian Bureau of Statistics, it provides evidence to support a responsive service landscape and housing and homelessness policy that recognises and actively responds to the distinct needs of older people. This is a call to action, showing conclusively that housing insecurity and homelessness are increasing among older people. Urgent action is required to ensure that all older people in Australia have access to safe, secure, affordable housing in which to age.