A scoping review of experiences and needs of older LGBTI adults in Asia

Abstract

Despite the impressive number of global achievements in the improvement of population health and longevity, older LGBTI adults in Asia continue to suffer. There is a knowledge gap in empirical and comprehensive data on the experiences, unique challenges and needs of this growing yet underserved population. This knowledge is needed for developing strategies to address their needs, with the ultimate goal to improve older LGBTI adults’ health outcomes, promote positive healthcare experiences, reduce inequities in healthcare and subsequently unnecessary healthcare costs. This scoping study aims to review the published specific literature on the needs and experiences of LGBTI older people in Asia, to identify factors that contribute to LGBTI older people’s health and use of services and highlight gaps and areas for future studies. Our review indicates that future policy initiatives and research are needed, particularly intersectionality approach to examine how multiple influences affect older LGBTI lives.

Keywords:

• Experiences
• healthcare need
• older LGBTI adults
• scoping review
• sexual minority

Acknowledgements

The authors acknowledge Ms. Linda Slater, Librarian at the University of Alberta, for her assistance in implementing search strategies. The authors received no financial support for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).