Found old article clipped from L. A. Watts Times. Neglected to date the yellowing clipping; back side has correction from October 5, 2006 edition, thus AP article by Lisa Leff printed soon after that date.
UC San Francisco researchers "found that between 1990 and 2003, their median age rose from 37 to 46" ~ "their" being homeless individuals. The article said persons over 65 do not become homeless because they are eligible for Social Security and Medicaid.
A man interviewed for the article had been homeless for nine years or since he was age 51. The man is a veteran, on dialysis for kidney problems and travels by wheelchair due to leg problems. The article mentions "health problems exacerbated by aging on the streets."
I began street living at age 55, shortly before turning 56. I was 58 when enrolled in the Safe Haven program. Perhaps I clipped the article to share with MHA-Village staff who seemed oblivious to my age-related physical health issues, made worse due to living on the streets. It was quite a frustrating experience.
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