Exploring pathways to successful aging among older black lesbians and sexual minority women: A focus on life satisfaction and intersectional factors

Abstract

Purpose

Satisfaction with life is a core aspect of successful aging, which is influenced by a broad range of factors, including health, socioeconomic status, and social relationships. Black lesbians experience various social challenges, including racism, sexism, ageism, and heterosexualism, that may present as deterrents to aging successfully. To develop better policies and programs in support of successful aging among all adults, an understanding of the unique components associated with their intersecting identities must be explored. This study was carried out to gain a better understanding of how Black lesbians and other Black sexual minority women (BSMW) view successful aging within the context of life satisfaction.

Methods

Inferential statistics were used to determine relationships between satisfaction with life (SWLS-3) and selected independent variables. Backward stepwise regression was conducted to ascertain significant relationships of the study outcome variable.

Results

The respondents were 118 Black lesbians and other BSMW aged 50 and above. Independent t-tests showed that those living with a partner had a significantly higher SWLS-3. Backwards stepwise regression indicated the predictor variables for higher rates of SWLS-3 to be harmony in life, annual household income, and provider sensitivity/cultural competence to their patient being Black.

Conclusion

This study provides insight on factors increasing and diminishing satisfaction with life for aging Black lesbians and other BSMW. Future research should replicate this study with a more diverse and nationally representative sample, especially given the study limitations of having recruited a highly educated sample during a global pandemic.

Keywords:

• LGBTQ+ aging
• minority health
• successful aging
• life satisfaction
• women’s
• health

Acknowledgements

We gratefully acknowledge ZAMI NOBLA: National Organization of Black Lesbians on Aging and GRIOT Circle for their support with participant recruitment and community dissemination.

Disclosure statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest related to this topic.

Data availability statement

The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.