Rise in homeless older people factor in increasing number of Americans freezing to death

More Californians Are Freezing to Death. Experts Point to More Older Homeless People. - KFF Health News Hypothermia deaths have risen in California and across the nation. Experts point to the growing number of older, unsheltered homeless people as a key factor in the trend. paulavirna KFF Health News

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The increase in hypothermia deaths is linked to a rise in homelessness, especially in California, which has the nation’s largest homeless population, experts say. 

Homeless people are particularly susceptible to hypothermia because so many older, vulnerable adults live outside, where they are exposed to the elements. Government officials have largely responded to hypothermia deaths by opening warming centers where homeless people can stay on cold nights, but advocates say more permanent housing and more programs that prevent homelessness are needed.

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