Jan 13, 2025
Once a dedicated caregiver who loved to travel, Joanne Erickson died just three months after being evicted from her home of 23 years. Journalist Jessica Goodheart documented her story, highlighting the challenges aging Americans face when they outlive their retirement savings — or have none at all.
The first time Goodheart met Erickson, the 70-year-old woman hadn't left her apartment in weeks. Erickson felt alone and overwhelmed as she tried to find a new place to live that she could afford on her $1,800 Social Security check. That proved challenging in Playa del Rey, a neighborhood in Los Angeles, California, where the average home price is $943,000.
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“I think I’m falling apart,” Erickson told Goodheart, who hoped that sharing her story would help Erickson find a happy ending.
"I had hoped, naively it turns out, that my reporting would be enough to help her get the assistance she needed,” Goodheart wrote in an article for Capital and Main. “But long waitlists, leads that went nowhere and promises of help that went unfulfilled continually frustrated her efforts."
How Erickson got to this point
After losing her job at a geriatric rehabilitation center in her mid-60s, Erickson was unable to find another job. Nikki Jursak, a former colleague, remembered Erickson as a therapist who mentored younger therapists, listened to her patients and had an "incredible" bedside manner. After she was laid off, Ericson tried desperately to find work, applying for jobs every day without success.
“I couldn’t even hand out sausages at Costco,” she told Goodheart over the phone. Erickson blamed ageism, recalling when she was younger, she “could get a job in a day.”
Erickson's physical and mental health likely played a part in her struggle to find work. After fracturing her back twice, she was left frail and fearful of what would happen if she left her apartment. According to her neighbor, Cindy Hardin, Erickson suffered a "nervous breakdown" in 2020, believing that someone was hiding in her closet and threatening to kill her.
In January 2024, Erickson owed $11,613 in back rent and was given just 30 days to vacate the cramped apartment she shared with her cherished cat, Muriel. According to Goodheart, Erickson considered several options, including living in her car, taking a bed at a shelter and moving to a shared living home operated by a nonprofit. She was concerned for her safety after suffering several physical attacks in her youth and feared she'd be separated from her beloved cat.
After reaching out to friends, staying in a short-term rental hotel and repeatedly applying for rental assistance, Erickson finally found a place to stay — a temporary room in the home of her former colleague, Nikki Jursak. In May 2024, Jursak — who was away visiting family — grew concerned after not hearing from Erickson for two days. She asked a neighbor to knock on the window of Erickson's room, but there was no response.
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On May 8, Jursak drove home to Los Angeles and found Erickson. “It was awful,” Jursak told Goodheart. “My husband came with me, and when we went inside [her room], she was there, lying on the bed.”
Erickson's death certificate lists cardiovascular disease as the cause of death, reports Goodheart. But Andy Hayt, Erickson's friend in her final months, believes her death was a consequence of her eviction and ensuing homelessness. “It’s not like it was a car accident,” Hayt told Goodheart. “It’s not like she had an untreatable cancer or an addiction or something.”
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How seniors can improve their odds of a comfortable retirement
Erickson’s story highlights the critical and complex challenge of providing support for today's aging Americans, many of whom outlive their savings or rely solely on Social Security. According to the National Institute on Retirement Security, 40% of retirees depend on Social Security for the majority of their income, and a 2024 study by the Employee Benefit Research Institute found that half of retirees say they saved less than they needed for retirement.
While this may sound grim, there are steps you can take to improve your chances of a comfortable retirement. For those not yet in retirement, saving early — even small amounts — can make a significant difference over time. Consider storing your emergency fund in a high-yield savings account or certificates of deposit (CDs) to earn more interest without the risk of the stock market. Additionally, contributing to employer-sponsored retirement plans like 401(k)s or IRAs, especially with employer matches, can help you build significant savings over time.
For seniors already retired or nearing retirement, exploring flexible work options can potentially provide supplemental income. Options like house sitting, pet sitting, or remote customer service jobs can be adapted to your physical abilities. Renting out a room through a trusted platform can also generate steady income. Providing childcare for older children before school, after school or during breaks can provide additional funds without the physical effort required in a full-time job.
Navigating available resources is crucial. Seniors can explore federal programs like Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or state-specific rental assistance programs. Local nonprofits often offer help with housing, utilities and groceries. Seeking assistance from trusted family members or advocates can also help you navigate the process.
Planning ahead, staying proactive, and exploring all available options can help seniors improve their odds of a more stable and comfortable retirement.
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Danielle is a personal finance writer based in Ohio. Her work has appeared in numerous publications including Motley Fool and Business Insider. She believes financial literacy key to helping people build a life they love.
