Older homeless women: Reframing the stereotype of the bag lady

The stereotype of the bag lady sheltering in a bus station is an anachronism because older homeless women are largely invisible. Economic and social factors contribute to the growing number of older homeless women and the risk of their displacement. This article presents a study that developed a profile that reframes the stereotype to allow fruitful analyses of these women's plight and need for services. The study found that mental health problems, low income,family disputes, and abuse or neglect by family members are the primary factors in homelessness.