A. Presents statistics on homelessness
B. Presents purpose of the paper as that of examining homelessness in the context of three adult developmental stages.
II. Adult Development and Homelessness in the Middle Years
A. Describes cognitive, social, familial, vocational, spiritual changes occurring in middle years and relates these to homelessness, mental health and personality.
B. Discusses effects of homelessness generally and in relation to ethnic and gender variables.
III. Adult Development and Homelessness in the Older Years
A. Late adulthood is associated with some decline in physical, sensory and cognitive function while social changes include retirement which can be stressful if not voluntary.
B. Personality remains relatively stable but values can change.
C. The effects of homelessness are especially hard on this age group due to mental health issues and difficulties getting this group treatment; gender and ethnic variables can also play a role.
D. Spiritual inclinations can breed wisdom.
IV. Adult Development and Homelessness in the Elderly
A. The physical and intellectual declines associated with being 80 years or older are exacerbated by homelessness.
B. There are problems with research on the elderly due to many younger homeless adults looking older than their years and so being included in the elderly group.
C. Mortality is high without government services.
Hopper (2003) reports that homelessness in America continues to be a persistent and nagging social problem. While numbers of homeless persons are difficult to estimate, it is fairly well established that the number is growing and growth is expected to continue. Hopper further states that studies have shown that, as a group, homeless people tend to be poorly educated and impoverished. Life on the streets is said to be hard despite a plethora of governmental agencies and programs created to address the problem. The purpose o...