Applying Bioecological Theory To The Experiences of LGBT* Older Adults
Bioecological theory can be utilized as the lens to understand the experiences of LGBT* older adults in the past and present.
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Bioecological theory states that to understand individuals, one has to consider the context they developed and exist in (Smith & Hamon, 2017).
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Bioecological theory has five contextual spheres, the: microsystem, mesosystem, exosystem, macrosystem, and the chronosystem (Smith & Hamon, 2017).
Microsystem Level
Forces
LGBT* older adults grew up with their families and friends outwardly rejecting and disapproving of anyone that was not straight or cisgender (Pew Research Center, 2013; Alzheimer’s Association & SAGE, 2018).
Microsystem Level
Forces
Fear of discrimination based on one’s gender identity and/or sexual orientation from human service providers is a major barrier to receiving appropriate care among LGBT* older adults (Advocacy and Services for LGBT Elders, 2014; Boggs, et al., 2017; AARP, 2018; Alzheimer's Association & SAGE, 2018).
Mesosystem Level
Forces
Negative perceptions of LGBT* individuals during the time they were growing up held strong negative views, and these views were spread and strongly held by groups.
Anti-LGBT* views were consciously enforced by many individuals because of the macrosystem forces in the U.S. that normalize and promote heterosexuality and cisgendered views of society.
Exosystem
Level
Forces
Policies of human service organizations have an indirect impact on LGBT* older adults, as their level of competency and acceptance of LGBT* individuals directly influences their inclusion of the LGBT* community in programs, outreach, and employee training.
Macrosystem Level
Fources
The most significant macrosystem force impacting LGBT* older adults are anti-LGBT* laws.
Examples:
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Sodomy laws--outlawed in all 50 states in 2003 (Lawrence v. Texas, 539 U.S. 558).
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Executive Order 10450, issued by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1953.
Chronosystem Level
Forces
LGBT* older adults are part of a historical cohort, as they have experienced unique events which shaped their lives and continue to impact them today (Hillier & Barrow, 2015; Services and Advocacy for LGBT Elders, 2017; Alzheimer's Association & SAGE, 2018; Fredriksen-Goldsen, et al., 2019).