As we age: listening to the voice of LGBTQ older adults

ABSTRACT

The LGBT+ community is gaining long-overdue public health attention within the rapidly expanding demographic of older adults. As a group, LGBT+ older adults represent a range of diverse biopsychosocial needs and life experiences that may differ markedly from the general population. This has translated into health disparities experienced by this group and the emergence of policies calling for improved services for this community. In response, this qualitative study engaged ten focus groups (a total of 48 participants) throughout one mid-Atlantic state to better understand the experiences and perceptions of LGBT+ older adults regarding their expectations and needs as they age. Themes included (1) an emphasis on the nuance of connection as an aging LGBT+ adult; (2) a rich discussion of experiences with and expectations for quality of services as this group ages; (3) the realities of planning for future living arrangements as a member of this population; and (4) a clearer understanding of the two sides of advocacy for this group, as a personal responsibility and a call for allyship. Based on insights shared by participants, implications are discussed for improved and more visible engagement of this community within our heath and humans service sectors. We also affirm the need for greater attention from researchers and policy makers in respect to the whole health needs of this group. As a society and as professionals, we need to respond to these needs in better support of equity in the aging process for LGBT+ older adults.

KEYWORDS:

• LGBT+ aging
• perception of aging
• focus group
• health disparities
• needs assessment

Disclosure statement

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

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Stockton Center on Successful Aging [N/A].