Every three years, Wilder Research conducts a one-day statewide study to better understand homelessness in Minnesota. Wilder has released a series of issue briefs that explore aspects of the data collected.
Their most recent brief, “Homelessness Among Adults Age 55+ in Minnesota” highlights a concerning increase in homelessness in older adults and what that means for their well-being.
In 2023, 12 percent of Minnesota’s homeless population are age 55 or older. This represents a 7 percent increase from the 2018 study. It is the only group that saw in increase in numbers. The change is driven by an increase in homelessness among people in greater Minnesota — a 33 percent increase compared with an 8 percent decrease in the 7-county metro area.
Key findings
The Wilder brief highlights the following key findings:
- More older adults are experiencing homelessness in Minnesota than ever before.
- Homelessness complicates the health issues and limitations that can coincide with aging.
- Even with access to the public benefits that are associated with age or disability, older adults experiencing homelessness cannot afford their basic needs.
- Four in ten older adults experiencing homelessness have slept outside at least one night.
- People who are first homeless at 50 or older are less often impacted by the experiences that prolong or speed entry into homelessness.
Learn more about homelessness and older adults from our 2024 story.