Ageing and Women's Homelessness: Overcoming the bag lady syndrome

Australia is facing a tsunami of poverty amongst ageing female baby boomers that will directly affect their well-being, economic viability, and housing options. Flow-on effects will impact on families, support agencies, governments, and the community as whole. While support agencies and federal and state governments have recognised the issue there has been little action. It is almost too late to reverse the tide. Leadership is needed to ensure these women do not become “bag ladies” on the streets in their twilight years. Finding solutions will not be simple. Addressing this issue will require multiple strategies involving housing, health, employment and government support.