Housing Instability and Policy Considerations for Equitable Aging in Place in Canada.

Abstract

Background: In this article, we apply a gender-based analysis plus framework to research the housing experiences of older, low-income adults living and aging in Hamilton. Low-income older adults with intersectional identities are at risk of not aging in place due to marginalization and housing instability.

Objective: Policy currently homogenizes the experience of aging by sidelining intersectional factors that have a bearing on aging well in place. The research aims to develop policy recommendations to address this gap.

Methods: Several methods captured the housing experiences of low-income older adults, including interviews, participant observation, and arts-based techniques.

Findings: Findings illustrate how gender and intersectional factors shape both housing trajectories and agentive practices low-income adults utilize to try to age well and in place. These strategies encompass practicing cultural citizenship, which is a claim for inclusion when excluded from mainstream ideals of aging in place.

Discussion: We provide policy recommendations informed by participants' lived experiences aimed at promoting equitable aging in place as fundamental to full citizenship.