Aging without Shelter: Lived Consequences of Homelessness Among Older Adults in Tehran, Iran.

Homelessness among older adults is a growing yet under-researched public-health and social-welfare concern in Iran. This study examined the perceived consequences of homelessness among 27 older adults (aged 60 years or older) residing in shelters in Tehran. Thematic analysis identified five interconnected domains: physical health decline and unmet chronic-care needs; profound mental-health burden characterized by hopelessness; social exclusion and loss of social roles; dependence on insecure survival economies; and structural exclusion due to loss of identity documents. Homelessness in later life represents multidimensional deprivation that accelerates aging, undermines dignity, and limits access to social entitlements.