Housing, Homelessness & the Aging Population

"In Salt Lake County, the cost of housing and, in particular, the cost of rent continues to increase significantly. As the cost of rent has been increasing at a rate of 6% annually since 2012 (HUD, 2019) many have struggled to increase their earnings and now pay more than 50% of their income toward rent. The steady increase in rent also disproportionately effects the aging population who are renters. Because the aging population often relies upon fixed income, the rapid inflation of the renters market puts the aging population at high risk of becoming homeless. This paper is an independent study that explores why the housing market is unsafe for many who are aging and looks into alternative housing currently available. Additionally, this paper evaluates current housing protections for the aging population and offers recommendations for effective housing solutions. "