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Increased Mortality Among Older Veterans Admitted to VA Homelessness Programs
John A Schinka1, Robert M Bossarte1, Glenn Curtiss1
1Dr. Schinka and Dr. Casey are with the National Center on Homelessness Among Veterans, Tampa, Florida (e-mail: jschinka@health.usf.edu ). Dr. Bossarte is with the Epidemiology Program, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Office of Public Health, Washington, D.C. Dr. Curtiss is with the Department of Psychology, James A. Haley VA Hospital, Tampa, Florida. Mr. Lapcevic is with the VA Center of Innovation on Disability and Rehabilitation Research, Tampa, Florida.
Homeless older veterans experienced significantly higher mortality rates and a younger age at death compared to non-homeless veterans. This vulnerable population also faced an increased risk of suicide.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Public Health
- Veterans Affairs Healthcare
Background:
- Homelessness is a significant issue affecting older adults, particularly veterans.
- Understanding mortality patterns in this demographic is crucial for targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe and compare mortality patterns between homeless and non-homeless older veterans.
- To identify differences in survival rates and causes of death.
Main Methods:
- Utilized National Death Index data and U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs records.
- Compared survival functions and causes of death over 11 years for homeless (N=4,475) and non-homeless (N=20,071) veterans aged 55+.
Main Results:
- Homeless veterans had a higher mortality rate (34.9%) versus controls (18.2%).
- Homeless veterans died approximately 2.5 years younger.
- Older homeless veterans had the lowest survival rate (58%); suicide risk was doubled.
Conclusions:
- Older homeless veterans face excess mortality and elevated suicide risk.
- Findings highlight the urgent need for focused support and healthcare strategies for this population.
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