A report by the Simon Community has highlighted what it calls the "growing crisis" in the number of older adults becoming homeless.
Galway in particular has seen a marked increase in people in their 60s and older seeking emergency accommodation.
It is now over five years since Jean Cosgrove was allocated a bungalow in a small social housing development in Baile Chláir.
She had experienced homelessness following the break up of her relationship and described herself as broken.
Today, the 65-year-old says she owes everything to Galway Simon.
As she sips tea with her neighbour Helen Broad, the two women chat and appear content and settled.
But both know first hand what it is like to be homeless in later life and readily acknowledge that they are the lucky ones to be housed.
'Second chance at life'
"I feel blessed that I got this second chance at life. If I hadn't met up with Galway Simon I shudder to think where I'd be. It's a whole new life for me," says Ms Cosgrove.
"Before, I felt worthless. You know, you kind of hide yourself away.
"You don't want people to see what you're going through.
"But it was a very, very sad time. And as I believe now, there's other women all the same age as me, in the same situation, and I say never give up.
"There's help out there to find a place to live," she adds.
Describing her life today, she said: "Oh my God, today I'm top dollar. I can walk to the shops and come back and open my own door.
"Galway Simon arranged all the furniture for me. I picked it out myself. I love old-fashioned furniture.
"When I saw the house and all the pieces in place I just broke down crying."
President Catherine Connolly is launching the report by the Simon Communities of Ireland and Galway Simon at the University of Galway.
Titled Older Adult Homelessness, it reveals the complex structural and life course factors that shape homelessness in later life.
The report comes after a week-long event by Galway Simon last summer on the theme of retiring into homelessness.
Key findings include an assumption that older age groups own their own homes or have security of tenure.
The reality is that rising rents and house prices, insufficient pensions and a lack of age-friendly housing are increasing vulnerability amongst this age cohort.
The Simon Community says there are currently several hundred people over the age of 65 living in emergency accommodation.
Experiencing homelessness in later life affects people's material and physical wellbeing, it says.
It says this in turn leads to mental health issues as a result of social exclusion and a loss of belonging.
'The house started to fail'
Ms Broad lives with her husband Peter across the road from Ms Cosgrave.
They were homeless and seeking emergency care after being caretakers in an old country farm house for 20 years.
"So the house started to fail. The roof went, the electricity was going.
"It was a very, very old, old farmhouse, and my husband's health deteriorated, so we could no longer manage it," says Ms Broad.
"I had to get in touch with somebody to help and I kept updating the council and contacting multiple people because we really found ourselves in a very much a homeless position.
"We had to vacate, and we had nowhere to go. So it was very, very stressful.
"And my husband was in and out of a hospital for about ten years.
"He had strokes and various health issues but it was down to the absolute wire.
"And if we hadn't been offered this amazing gift of a house we would have had to go into emergency accommodation," she adds.
'Homeless in retirement' on the increase, says Simon Community
Across Ireland there are currently 267 people aged over 65 living in emergency accommodation, according to the latest available homeless figures.
"Homelessness in retirement is on the increase and hugely distressing," according to Ber Grogan, Executive Director, Simon Communities of Ireland.
"Ireland’s population is ageing, and as a society we must plan for this demographic shift, not only for humanitarian reasons, but also out of economic necessity.
"The message is clear: failing to invest in appropriate supports now will lead to far greater social and financial costs in the years ahead.
"There is a clear opportunity for stronger political leadership and more coordinated policy action to turn existing commitments into tangible results and ensure that no older person is left without support," she adds.
The report warns that Ireland risks repeating the experience of countries such as the United States, where older-age homelessness has become deeply entrenched.
However, it also highlights that the number of older adults experiencing homelessness in Ireland remains relatively low, meaning decisive action taken now can prevent a far more serious crisis in the future."
Mary Cronin also lives in the social housing unit in Baile Chláir and is Chair of the Galway County Older People's Council.
She is 81 and actively volunteers to help people source places to live and be aware of supports in place across multiple charities.
Ms Cronin makes a sweeping movement with her arm as she looks at the 14 houses in Gort na Créige, Baile Chláir.
"These are the type of houses that older people need to give them a little bit of comfort as they go on in years.
"They are purpose built and embrace independent living.
"They should be available everywhere. Gort na Créige is a model development catering for older people's needs.
"We all live peacefully and harmoniously and look after each other," she says.
The sprightly octogenerian who regularly jogs around the area had arrived unannounced with a bag of groceries for Ms Cosgrove.
In Galway City, other people who found themselves homeless in later life are attending the launch including Carmel and Mary Jane.
Both have secured one-bedroom apartments in a block of ten developed by Galway Simon for older people and those with impaired mobility.
The building, on a former derelict site next to its 24/7 emergency hostel facility and support services, received funding support from the Department of Housing through Galway City Council.
Carol Baumann, CEO Galway Simon, says the plan is "to provide accessible homes with security for older people who could be otherwise facing homelessness", adding that she "would advocate for more of this type of development in Galway and elsewhere because it is so badly needed".
"I've got my confidence back, I've a little job three days a week and I love my life. It's all down to Galway Simon"
She says action must be strategic and multifaceted. It should focus on prevention, mitigation, and exit pathways, ensuring that people are supported at every stage.
"While these recommendations are made against the backdrop of an entrenched housing crisis, this report argues that the crisis is not insurmountable.
"With increased political will, more focused leadership, and a commitment to evidence-based, compassionate policy, Ireland can avoid replicating the mistakes seen elsewhere," she says.
Meanwhile, Ms Cosgrove counts her blessings and chuckles
"When I get up in the morning, I put on a bit of make-up and liner and Iook in the mirror and say 'Jesus, you're looking good. Top dollar.'
"I never put make-up on before. But now I'm a different woman.
"I have a place to live and I look after it well. It's like a new pin.
"I've got my confidence back, I've a little job three days a week and I love my life. It's all down to Galway Simon," she says.
