Is Having the Luck of Growing Old in the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender Community Good or Bad Luck?

Jones, Billy E.

doi:10.1300/j041v13n04_02

Cited by 16 publications

(5 citation statements)

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“…This is related, in part, to the fact that many LGB elders do not have a steady partner and partners tend to have a socially integrating effect in the sense that people are more likely to engage in social activities with a partner than alone (Dykstra & de Jong Gierveld, 1999). Another factor is that LGB elders do not feel welcome in the commercial gay scene, which tends to focus on physical appearance and on young people (Brotman, Ryan, & Cormier, 2003;Cahill et al, 2000;Ehrenberg, 1996;Wierzalis et al, 2006), and prefer not to take part in social activities arranged by organizations of the gay subculture (Berger & Kelly, 2001;Jones, 2001;Schuyf, 1996;Soesbeek & Bonfrere, 1993). Nor do they feel at home among their heterosexual contemporaries for whom children and grandchildren tend to be the main topic of discussion (Galesloot, 2003).…”

Section: Among 161 Self-identified Agingmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Relation Between Social Embeddedness and Loneliness among Older Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Adults in the Netherlands

Fokkema

Kuyper

2007

Arch Sex Behav

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Research has shown that aging lesbians, gay men, and bisexuals (LGBs) often experience feelings of loneliness. The main aim of this study was to examine whether older LGB adults in the Netherlands are lonelier than their heterosexual counterparts and, if so, whether the higher levels of loneliness can be attributed to a lower degree of social embeddedness. Using data from the Gay Autumn project and the NESTOR survey on Living Arrangements and Social Networks of Older Adults, we found that LGB elders were significantly lonelier and less socially embedded than heterosexual elders. Compared with their heterosexual peers, older LGBs were more likely to have experienced divorce, to be childless or to have less intensive contact with their children. They also had less intensive contact with other members of their families and they were less frequent churchgoers. Their weaker level of social embeddedness, however, only partially explained the stronger feelings of loneliness among older LGB adults. Nor could their higher levels of loneliness be attributed to other, non-social embeddedness factors (health, living conditions, self-esteem, and socioeconomic status). Emphasis on other aspects of social embeddedness, such as the quality of social relationships in the private domain and minority stress, is an important challenge for future research.

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Section: Among 161 Self-identified Agingmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Relation Between Social Embeddedness and Loneliness among Older Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Adults in the Netherlands

Fokkema

Kuyper

2007

Arch Sex Behav

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“…Although older LGB people face similar issues to non‐LGB, for example, an increase in health issues, the potential for financial hardship, loneliness, depression and ageism, they also experience both overt and covert discrimination based on their sexual orientation 10 . In addition, many LGB people who are classified as ‘baby boomers’ have lived through the height of the AIDS epidemic which has left them with fewer friends and social supports, thereby increasing the risks for health issues including depression, alcoholism and substance abuse 11 …”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…10 In addition, many LGB people who are classified as 'baby boomers' have lived through the height of the AIDS epidemic which has left them with fewer friends and social supports, thereby increasing the risks for health issues including depression, alcoholism and substance abuse. 11 International research clearly identifies that for all older people relocating to live in a supported living environment, for example, the residential support sector, is an extremely stressful experience. 12,13 This is all the more salient for LGB people who have experienced a life time of homophobic reactions and consequently worry about being discriminated against when older and living in a supported environment.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

‘Lavender retirement’: A questionnaire survey of lesbian, gay and bisexual people's accommodation plans for old age

Neville

Henrickson

2010

Int J of Nursing Practice

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A global increase in older people will also mean an increase in the numbers of lesbian, gay and bisexual people requiring residential support. All health practitioners working with older people need to be aware of the existence of older lesbian, gay and bisexual people in order to provide health care that is appropriate. This study describes lesbian, gay and bisexual people's accommodation plans for old age through a cross-sectional quantitative survey design. Participants were recruited through mainstream and lesbian, gay and bisexual media and venues. A total of 2269 participants completed the 133-item survey. When asked about what accommodation plans they had for their older years lesbian, gay and bisexual people identified that they were least likely to choose living in a retirement community/facility. However, if unable to live independently the majority of respondents identified they would prefer to live in a retirement facility that specifically catered for people who did not identify as heterosexual. This study has found that the residential support sector needs to be prepared to provide a health service that is person-centred, free from discriminatory practices and meets the needs of all health consumers regardless of sexual orientation.

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“…In terms of this resilience, studies have demonstrated the strengths that LGBT people may bring to the ageing process. Some of the recognised attributes include increased tolerance, the creation of families of choice and greater flexibility in gender roles (Berlin, 2008;Dorfman et al, 1995;Healey, 1994;Jones, 2001). Additionally, researchers have reported higher levels of life satisfaction, lower self-criticism and fewer psychosomatic problems among older LGBT people (Barranti & Cohen, 2000;Humphreys & Quam, 1998).…”

Section: Adjustment To Ageingmentioning

confidence: 99%

Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender older people in Ireland: Mental health issues

McCann

Sharek

Higgins

et al. 2013

Aging & Mental Health

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International policy initiatives have highlighted the need to include older lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) issues in the provision of appropriate health and social care. However, empirical studies in the area remain sparse. The aim of this study was to investigate the experiences and needs of LGBT people over the age of 55 years living in Ireland and this article reports on specific mental health issues. Mixed methods were used involving 144 surveys and 36 semi-structured in-depth interviews. The findings revealed that a significant number of the survey respondents had experienced a mental health problem at some point in their lives with interview participants providing further details of their concerns. It is recommended that policy makers address the mental health needs of older LGBT people in future strategic directives and develop standards of care that support the principles of equality, inclusion and respect for diversity.

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Is Having the Luck of Growing Old in the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender Community Good or Bad Luck?

Cited by 16 publications

References 0 publications

The Relation Between Social Embeddedness and Loneliness among Older Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Adults in the Netherlands

The Relation Between Social Embeddedness and Loneliness among Older Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Adults in the Netherlands

‘Lavender retirement’: A questionnaire survey of lesbian, gay and bisexual people's accommodation plans for old age

Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender older people in Ireland: Mental health issues

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