Case Discussion of Treatment of an 83-Year-Old Gay White Male

Abstract

This article discusses a case presented at the AGLP Symposium on Mental Health Issues in LGBT Seniors and reviews the psychiatric, physical, social, emotional, and spiritual components of mental health in this population. Working with aging lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) persons requires a broad conception of the role of psychotherapy and the psychotherapist; this includes an awareness of the role that sexuality has played in patients’ lives and their coming out process, as well as the effects of stigma on this process. This work can be challenging but also has the potential to advance the well-being of patients who contend with a variety of stressors related to growing old and being a sexual minority person.

KEYWORDS:

• gay
• lesbian
• aging
• sexuality
• spirituality