When home is no longer safe for older women

Extreme weather events are exacerbating the housing crisis for older women in Australia, turning insecurity into a significant safety concern. Dr. Lisa Ewenson, a University of Technology Sydney researcher, warns that women over 50 are increasingly at risk of hidden homelessness, often couch surfing, living in cars or overcrowded conditions.

This issue is not captured in official figures due to the Census data limitations. Ewenson's research reveals that decades of unpaid care work leaves many older women financially vulnerable, with limited savings, superannuation, and housing options when faced with housing costs or climate disasters. The problem is further compounded by the fact that affordable housing is often located in high-risk areas prone to floods, fires, and extreme heat.

Ewenson emphasizes the need for comprehensive housing solutions, including secure social housing, fair incomes, and legal protections. She argues that Australian democracy is failing those enduring homelessness, and legislative changes at both federal and state levels are required to acknowledge housing as a fundamental human right.

Ewenson advocates for recognizing the right to care and the right to give care, highlighting the immense value of care work, predominantly performed by women. She is conducting a research project to gather insights from older women's experiences and propose legal, policy, and social changes to address the escalating crisis of housing precarity for older women amidst climate change.