Continued homelessness and depressive symptoms in older adults

Abstract

Depression is common in adults experiencing homelessness. It is unclear whether continued homelessness is associated with more depressive symptoms.

To examine the association between residential status and depressive symptoms in adults aged 50 years or older experiencing homelessness at study entry.

This cohort study analyzed results from the Health Outcomes of People Experiencing Homelessness in Older Middle Age (HOPE HOME) project, which in 2013 began enrolling adults aged 50 years or older experiencing homelessness in Oakland, California, and conducted structured interviews every 6 months for a mean duration of 5.5 years through 2023 (for this cohort study). We analyzed data collected from 2013 to 2023.

The primary outcome was moderate to severe depressive symptoms (with Center for Epidemiologic Studies–Depression [CES-D] scale score ≥22).

This cohort study found that continued homelessness was associated independently with increased odds of depressive symptoms. Obtaining housing may have a favorable role in depression and overall well-being of older adults experiencing homelessness and may be considered as a mental health intervention.