Although Australia is considered one of the richest countries in the world, however, the inequity encountered by the elderly homeless population is sad and noteworthy. For example, homeless elderly is compelled to live on the street and lead an impoverished life. By contrast, educated and affluent older, of similar gender and age enjoy a better life. Thus, it is apparent that elderly homeless are the victim of inequity. Few influential people or system create a difference in the society which is known as inequity . For instance, an older homeless woman often denied access to full participation in the social event of the community because of poverty, low self-esteem or social class and compelled to lead a lonely life . Additionally, loneliness also results in ill health, particularly because of poor diet and mental illness such as depression. Therefore, disadvantaged circumstances of homeless elderly may segregate them from the conventional society.

Health inequality experienced by homeless elderly is a conglomeration of homelessness and old age. For example, on one spectrum, homeless elderly is affected by factors of homelessness such as unhealthy surrounding. On the other hand, aged population experience illnesses related to their increased age such as dementia and disability. Therefore, health inequality faced by elderly homeless is a complex interplay of individual, social and structural factors.

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Factors influencing health outcome of a socially excluded group