THE MENTAL-HEALTH PROBLEMS OF ELDERLY PEOPLE LIVING ON LONDON STREETS

There are inconsistent research findings regarding the prevalence of mental illness in homeless individuals of all ages. Most studies, both in Britain and in America, have concentrated on homeless persons in hostels or shelters. A few American works have examined individuals sleeping on the streets but this is a neglected area of research in Britain. Very few studies have examined the prevalence of mental illness in elderly homeless persons. This article reports findings from a recent investigation of the mental health problems of elderly homeless people who were sleeping on the streets in central London. Through observation and interviews it appeared that a high proportion of these individuals had mental health problems. Whereas nearly half of the elderly men appeared to be depressed, the majority of women either portrayed thought disturbances or were identified as having severe memory problems.