Latinos aging in skid row: Where culture, language, age, health, politics, and ”los papeles” collide-a call for public policy and health care reform

A greater number of older Americans are experiencing homelessness. Four years ago, almost 45,000 seniors were homeless. By midcentury, this figure may rise to 100,000. In Los Angeles, the “homeless capital of America”, over 80,000 are homeless on any given night; almost 24% are Latinos-and the figures are rising. Roughly 1/3 of all homeless are over 60 years of age with multiple physical, mental and social ills. How can we explain the growing number of Latinos, aging in skid row? As one resident stated, “viejos y abandonados.”

Utilizing community based participatory research methods, this study explores how multiple factors intersect; including race/ethnicity, culture, language, age, and immigration status. Via surveys and audio taped interviews, a sample of 28 older Latino men and women shared their stories of life in the streets and how multiple factors impact their lives. These narratives paint a portrait of Latinos isolated and aging in skid row; with complex, poorly managed illnesses, with minimum sources of financial and social support, and relying on street friendly networks in order to access resources that others easily find.

The findings are a call for social justice; as well as an opportunity for multidisciplinary teams to challenge public policy, to ensure that every resident has a human right to the basic human needs for survival: food, housing, social support and health care. While health care reform may be stalled for many years, it is imperative that we not wait to advocate for Latino communities that are being left behind.