EXPLORING HEALTHY AGING CHALLENGES AMONG VETERANS AND NON-VETERANS IN PERMANENT SUPPORTIVE HOUSING - Issue 2 - Abstract

Sep 29, 2026

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Adults over 50 represent a rapidly growing segment of the homeless population, but the factors shaping healthy aging are insufficiently understood. This qualitative study examined barriers to healthcare access and housing stability among older adults with lived experience of homelessness, comparing veterans and non-veterans in Permanent Supportive Housing. Twenty participants exited homelessness and completed 45-minute interviews plus demographic surveys; untreated dental issues affected well-being. Veterans described social adjustment and reintegration challenges, while non-veterans reported difficulty obtaining consistent healthcare, informing tailored policies and services.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages1

Reading Time3 min

AccessFree to download

Study Background

Research Focus and Population

Methods

Qualitative Interviews and Coding

Findings

Dental Barriers and Group Differences

Implications

Innovation in Aging, 2025, Vol. 9, No. S2 1231 Abstract citation ID: igaf122.4115 EXPLORING HEALTHY AGING CHALLENGES AMONG VETERANS AND NON-VETERANS IN PERMANENT SUPPORTIVE HOUSING Jun Heo1, Janelle Cardenas2, Teena Ellison2, April Aiken2, and Anita Souza3, 1. University of Washington School of Nursing, Kent, Washington, United States, 2. Compass Housing Alliance, Seattle, Washington, United States, 3. University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States As individuals experiencing homelessness age, their healthcare needs become increasingly complex. Adults over 50 represent the fastest-growing group among the homeless population, yet the population is highly heterogeneous, and the factors influencing their ability to age well are underexplored. This study examined barriers to healthcare and housing stability among older adults with lived experience of homelessness, focusing on differences between veterans and non-veterans. We used a qualitative design and developed a semi-structured interview guide in collaboration with Compass Housing Alliance. We recruited 20 participants over age 50 who had recently exited homelessness and were residing in Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH). We conducted 45-minute interviews with veterans (n = 10) and non-veterans (n = 10), asking about daily life, healthcare access, social connection, use of support services, and perceptions of aging well. Participants also completed a brief demographic survey. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and coded to identify key themes. While both groups reported similar overall needs and behaviors, one notable barrier across participants was untreated dental issues, which significantly impacted well-being. Veterans more frequently described challenges with social adjustment andreintegration, whereas non-veterans more often reported difficulty accessing consistent healthcare. These subgroup-specific differences reflect unique structural vulnerabilities shaped by service systems and lived histories. By drawing on lived experience, this study highlights important distinctions within the aging homeless population. Findings can inform policies and services that support healthy aging in Permanent Supportive Housing, helping healthcare providers and housing organizations tailor interventions to the needs of diverse older adults who have experienced homelessness.

FAQs

What population and setting were studied?

The study focused on adults over 50 who had recently exited homelessness and were residing in Permanent Supportive Housing. It included both veterans and non-veterans.

How was the research conducted?

A qualitative design was used, including semi-structured interviews and a brief demographic survey. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and coded to identify key themes.

What barriers were most prominent across participants?

A notable barrier across both groups was untreated dental issues, which significantly affected well-being.

How did veterans’ and non-veterans’ challenges differ?

Veterans more often reported social adjustment and reintegration challenges, while non-veterans more often reported difficulty accessing consistent healthcare.

Sep 29, 2026

Upload by Jasmine