Homeless people in their fifties suffer more geriatric health conditions than non-homeless people who are decades older, say researchers.
The findings highlight the need to develop new ways of helping homeless people, a group becoming increasingly older.
The University of California study, published in The Gerontologist, involved 350 homeless people aged 50 and over.
Although they had a median age of just 58, they had more trouble bathing, dressing and eating than 80-year-olds who had housing.
They had a harder time using transportation, taking their medications, managing money, applying for benefits, arranging a job interview and finding a lawyer.
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They had higher rates of cognitive and visual impairment and urinary incontinence and were more likely to fall and be depressed.
"Usually, we think of geriatric conditions as affecting much older adults in their 70's, 80's and 90's," the researchers said.
"We found these conditions were very common in homeless adults with an average age of just 58."
The traditional way of providing services for homeless people may need to be adapted for the ageing population, who may need help with activities like using the toilet and are at high risk of falling, the researchers said.
Even short-term solutions, like homeless shelters, will need to adapt for their needs in ways such as installing grab bars and rails in bathrooms.
