Friends, Family, and Caregiving Among Midlife and Older Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Adults

Croghan, Catherine F.; Moone, Rajean P.; Olson, Andrea M.

doi:10.1080/00918369.2013.835238

Cited by 96 publications

(99 citation statements)

References 26 publications

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“…We offer an exploratory investigation of key barriers, strengths and recommendations that could inform the adaptation of a NORC or Village Model to support LGBTQ older adults. While we focused on one metropolitan area, the barriers, strengths and recommendations identified are consistent with similar investigations of aging LGBTQ adults (Van Wagenen et al, 2013; Croghan et al , 2014; Orel, 2014; Brennan-Ing et al, 2014), indicating that our findings may be broadly applied to other locations.…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 75%

Perspectives of LGBTQ Older Adults on Aging in Place: A Qualitative Investigation

Boggs

Portz

King

et al. 2016

Journal of Homosexuality

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This qualitative study conducted by a community-research partnership used multiple types of data collection to examine variables relevant for LGBTQ older adults who wished to age in place in their urban Denver neighborhood. Focus groups, interviews, and a town hall meeting were used to identify barriers and supports to aging in place. Participants (N=73) primarily identified as lesbian or gay, aged 50–69, and lived with a partner. Ageism, heterosexism, and/or cisgenderism emerged as cross-cutting themes that negatively impact access to healthcare, housing, social support, home assistance and legal services. Resilience from weathering a lifetime of discrimination was identified as a strength to handle aging challenges. Recommendations for establishing an aging in place model included: establishing welcoming communities, resource centers, and increasing cultural competence of service providers. This study provides a unique contribution to understanding the psychosocial, medical, and legal barriers for successfully aging in place.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 75%

Perspectives of LGBTQ Older Adults on Aging in Place: A Qualitative Investigation

Boggs

Portz

King

et al. 2016

Journal of Homosexuality

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“…Embedded within social networks of families of choice, kin, friends, and legally defined family members, the most common social relationships studied were with spouses and partners [47, 49, 59, 63, 80, 81], friends and peer relationships [37, 41, 50, 71, 82], followed by children [46], informal caregivers [50, 80], other household members [20], and pets [66]. Broader social networks and supports were also investigated [32, 33, 46].…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Social networks were also larger among women [46, 63], younger individuals [46, 59], trans individuals, and those living with children [46]. Having a partner and co-residing with that partner were associated with being White [49], younger [47, 59], and female [80]. Loneliness and social isolation, on the other hand, were associated with being male, being single, being less socially embedded, and having a smaller social network [32, 33].…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Among LGBTQ older adults, 20% indicated that they were currently providing informal care [80]; caregivers reported a strong sense of duty [38], but also love and commitment, particularly among caring spouses, partners, and close friends [48]. Relationship quality was protective against depression for both informal caregivers and those receiving care [62].…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Iridescent Life Course: LGBTQ Aging Research and Blueprint for the Future – A Systematic Review

2019

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Background: LGBTQ* (lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, and queer) older adults are demographically diverse and growing populations. In an earlier 25-year review of the literature on sexual orientation and aging, we identified four waves of research that addressed dispelling negative stereotypes, psychosocial adjustment to aging, identity development, and social and community-based support in the lives of LGBTQ older adults. Objectives: The current review was designed to develop an evidence base for the field of LGBTQ aging as well as to assess the strengths and limitations of the existing research and to articulate a blueprint for future research. Methods: Using a life course framework, we applied a systematic narrative analysis of research on LGBTQ aging. The review included 66 empirical peer-reviewed journal articles (2009–2016) focusing on LGBTQ adults aged 50 years and older, as well as age-based comparisons (50 years and older with those younger). Results: A recent wave of research on the health and well-being of LGBTQ older adults was identified. Since the prior review, the field has grown rapidly. Several findings were salient, including the increased application of theory (with critical theories most often used) and more varied research designs and methods. While existing life course theory provided a structure for the investigation of the social dimensions of LGBTQ aging, it was limited in its attention to intersectionality and the psychological, behavioral, and biological work emerging in the field. There were few studies addressing the oldest in these communities, bisexuals, gender non-binary older adults, intersex, older adults of color, and those living in poverty. Conclusions: The Iridescent Life Course framework highlights the interplay of light and environment, creating dynamic and fluid colors as perceived from different angles and perspectives over time. Such an approach incorporates both queering and trans-forming the life course, capturing intersectionality, fluidity over time, and the psychological, behavioral, and biological as well as social dimensions of LGBTQ aging. Work is needed that investigates trauma, differing configurations of risks and resources over the life course, inequities and opportunities in representation and capital as LGBTQ adults age, and greater attention to subgroups that remain largely invisible in existing research. More depth than breadth is imperative for the field, and multilevel, longitudinal, and global initiatives are needed.

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“…which provide the framework for mutual care, responsibility and commitment for many lesbians and gay men." Almack, Seymour, and Bellamy (2010) and Croghan, Moone, and Olson (2014), among others, have also written about the importance of these "families of choice" or "chosen families" to older lesbians and gay men. 1 Heaphy, Yip, and Thompson (2004:890) stress the importance of recognising this kind of kinship in later life as "highly relevant to the understanding of the relational contexts in which non-heterosexuals age."…”

Section: Families Of Choicementioning

confidence: 99%

Old Lesbians in the UK: Community and Friendship

Traies

2015

Journal of Lesbian Studies

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Drawing on data from the first large-scale comprehensive study of older lesbian life in the United Kingdom, this article explores the nature of friendship and community among old lesbians. Strong friendship bonds and social networking emerge as key features of old lesbian culture. In particular the article focuses on "chosen families," including relationships with ex-lovers, and on the extensive network of both organized and informal social groups that continue to structure and support a sense of community among old lesbians. It shows the lasting importance of friendships and social structures formed earlier in life against a background of stigmatization, homophobia, and heterosexism, and argues for the recognition of these communities of identity by those who care for older people.

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Friends, Family, and Caregiving Among Midlife and Older Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Adults

Cited by 96 publications

References 26 publications

Perspectives of LGBTQ Older Adults on Aging in Place: A Qualitative Investigation

Perspectives of LGBTQ Older Adults on Aging in Place: A Qualitative Investigation

Iridescent Life Course: LGBTQ Aging Research and Blueprint for the Future – A Systematic Review

Old Lesbians in the UK: Community and Friendship

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