Challenges Among LGBT* Older Adults
There are a number of challenges for LGBT* individuals
compared to non LGBT* individuals.
01.
Discrimination
02.
Affording Aging
03.
Social Isolation
For a personal perspective on the issues LGBT* older adults face, watch the videos below.
01. Discrimination
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Evidence shows that experiencing discrimination harms individuals.
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200 LGBT* individuals, 80 years and older, were surveyed annually from 2014 to 2018; survey results showed that on-going experiences of microaggressions were negatively associated with quality of life among LGBT* older adults (Fredriksen-Goldsen, et al., 2019).
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The fear of experiencing discrimination creates a barrier to accessing age specific services and medical care among LGBT* older adults.
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Numerous studies show that the fear of discrimination is a prevalent and major concern among LGBT* older adults (Advocacy and Services for LGBT Elders, 2014; Czaja, et al., 2016; Boggs, et al., 2017; AARP, 2018; Putney, et al., 2018).
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Fear of discrimination is valid, as noted previously through application of Bioecological theory, LGBT* older adults grew up and aged in a society that was outwardly homophobic and discriminatory.
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The fact that discrimination continues to occur today against LGBT* individuals further validates the concerns of discrimination among LGBT* older adults.
02. Affording Aging
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Healthcare costs increase based on the form of care one receives, potentially resulting in spending thousands of dollars yearly (Milken Institute School of Public Health, 2018b).
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Studies demonstrate that LGBT* older adults have significant concerns about being able to handle the financial aspects of aging (American Society on Aging, MetLife Mature Market Institute, 2010; Services and Advocacy for LGBT Elders, 2014; Brennan-Ing, et al., 2014; Czaja, et al., 2016).
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This concern is valid, as research shows LGBT* individuals, specifically LGBT* individuals of color, are more likely to be impoverished or earn less compared to the general population (The Williams Institute, 2015).
03. Social Isolation
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In a study surveying LGBT* and non LGBT* adults, 40% of LGBT* older adults report their social networks as shrinking as they have aged, compared to 27% of non LGBT* older adults (Services and Advocacy for LGBT Elders, 2014).
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Decreased social networks are also significant for LGBT* older adults because a majority of caregiving is provided by family and friends (Services and Advocacy for LGBT Elders, 2017; Alzheimer’s Association, 2019).
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Although it is not a diagnosable medical condition or disease, social isolation is very harmful.
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Studies show that social isolation can harm an individual's physical and mental health (Coyle, & Dugan, 2012; Taylor, et al., 2018).
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Research has also demonstrated that individuals who live alone are at greater risk of falling, malnutrition, and substance abuse (Grant, 2010).
Caregiving
Aging and associated age related challenges can require caregiving.
Older individuals access care in a variety of forms, including (Milken Institute School of Public Health, The George Washington University, 2018b):
Hospital care, Home health care, Nursing homes, Assisted living facilities, Adult day care, and Family provided care.
Challenges of Caregiving
01.
Financial
02.
Mental
03.
Living Alone
Financial Challenges
As a nation, we are spending more on health services than ever before (Milken Institute School of Public Health, The George Washington University, 2018a).
85% of caregiving is provided by unpaid caregivers, valuing around $522 billion yearly (Services and Advocacy for LGBT Elders, 2017).
Mental Challenges
Caregivers can experience significant stress and are likely to neglect receiving caring themselves; self neglect makes it more likely to experience depression, anxiety, isolation, and poorer subjective health (Services and Advocacy for LGBT Elders, 2017).
Living Alone
Results from the 2016 American Community Survey showed that around one in five adults 65 to 74 years old lived alone (Roberts, et al., 2018).
Older adults living alone may have more barriers to accessing social support and caregiving.
This is of substantial concern because social isolation and a lack of caregiving can decrease one’s quality of life and even lead to premature death.
Caregiving and LGBT* Older Adults
The prevalence of caregiving among LGBT* individuals makes it more important to understand the unique challenges LGBT* caregivers face (Czaja, et al., 2016).
In addition to the significant financial and mental burden of caregiving, LGBT* caregivers are less likely to access services that could support them or outwardly discuss their identity with human service professionals (Services and Advocacy for LGBT Elders, 2017; Office of the Assistant Secretary For Planning and Evaluation...2019; The Alzheimer’s Association, 2019).
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LGBT* caregivers should not have to hide their identities or relationships to access important support and services.
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LGBT* individuals are a significant portion of the caregiver population and require greater recognition by aging and human services organizations.
LGBT* Older Adult
Case Studies
Read through any of the case studies in the document below and consider the following questions.
Questions
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What resources do you believe would help this individual?
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Do you think that there are aspects of this person's identity that would make it more challenging to age?
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Could you see this person living where you live? Do you think they would feel comfortable accessing services? Would they face challenges?