166,000 older people estimated to be homeless across Europe

Wednesday 16 September 2026 - 07:47

By: Azzat Manal

166,000 older people estimated to be homeless across Europe

Homelessness among older people is becoming an increasingly serious social challenge across Europe, with around 166,000 people aged 65 and over estimated to be living without stable housing in the European Union and the United Kingdom.

The estimate comes from a report prepared by European organizations working with homeless people and housing issues. The assessment draws on available national data from countries that record homelessness according to age groups and uses those figures to estimate the scale of the problem among older populations across Europe.

The proportion of older people among homeless populations varies significantly from one country to another. Available figures cited in the report range from around 1.6 percent in Ireland to 8.9 percent in Germany, while Hungary records a substantially higher share, at approximately 44 percent.

The figures highlight the different ways homelessness affects older people compared with younger adults. Many older individuals experiencing homelessness have health conditions, reduced mobility or other support needs that can make life in emergency accommodation particularly difficult.

European shelters are increasingly being asked to provide services for people who require more than temporary accommodation. Many facilities were originally designed for relatively independent adults who could eventually move into permanent housing without extensive medical or social support.

That model can create serious difficulties for older residents. Some shelters lack elevators or accessible facilities, while others still use bunk beds and shared spaces that may be unsuitable for people with limited mobility. A shortage of medical and social-care staff can further complicate the provision of appropriate support.

Chronic illnesses and age-related disabilities can also make it harder for older homeless people to navigate the traditional emergency accommodation system. In some cases, individuals may require regular medical supervision, assistance with daily activities or specialized housing rather than short-term shelter.

The pressure is increasing as homelessness itself continues to affect a larger number of people across Europe. The report estimates that approximately 1.4 million people of all ages are currently without stable accommodation, compared with around 1.3 million in 2024.

European homelessness organizations warn that growing demand is placing additional strain on shelters, which are already dealing with limited capacity and long waiting lists. As resources become increasingly stretched, some facilities could face pressure to tighten eligibility requirements or prioritize certain categories of applicants.

The situation has also raised broader questions about the relationship between housing costs, poverty and ageing. Older people with limited incomes can be particularly vulnerable to rising rents, inadequate pensions, unemployment late in life and the loss of family or social support networks.

European organizations are calling on governments to develop more comprehensive national strategies addressing homelessness while taking the specific needs of older people into account. Such approaches could include accessible emergency accommodation, stronger links between housing and healthcare services, and greater investment in affordable permanent housing.

The growing number of older people experiencing homelessness illustrates the need for housing policies that account for demographic ageing as well as the medical and social challenges associated with later life. For European shelters and public authorities, adapting services to this changing profile is becoming an increasingly important part of the wider response to homelessness.