Characteristics of older people who experience homelessness for the first time in later life in Tokyo, Japan: A descriptive study

Recent studies in Western countries reported that approximately half of older homeless persons entered homelessness for the first time in later life (late-onset homelessness). Characteristics of these individuals are reported to be different from those experiencing early-onset homelessness. However, studies investigating this issue in non-Western societies are lacking. We conducted a study on older homeless people aged 65 and over at the time they arrived at the shelters which are managed by one non-profit organization in Tokyo, Japan. During the recruitment period, a total of 58 people were admitted to the shelters; among these, 38 were 65 years and older, and 24 of those >= 65 years participated in this study. Among these, 14 participants were classified as experiencing homelessness for the first time in later life. These individuals had stable employment and housing histories, and no history of street dwelling or incarceration, suggesting that the concept of late-onset homelessness might be valid in non-Western settings.