Older LGBT+ Adults and Physical Activity: A Systematic Review of Qualitative and Quantitative Data

Abstract

Introduction The present study represents the first systematic review summarizing existing publications on older sexual and gender minority (LGBT+) people's engagement with physical activity (PA) aged 65 and over. Methods Relevant articles were systematically searched in four scientific databases (i.e., PsychArticles, PsychInfo, Pubmed, and Web of Science) in March 2023. We included original articles published after 1968 with relevant keywords associated with “PA”, “older adults”, and “LGBT+ identity”. Of the 887 records identified, 53 articles were included in the systematic review. Results Studies were critically reviewed according to participants’ subjectivity considered in the publications: (a) sexual minority (LGB+) identities; (b) sexual and gender minority (LGBT+) identities; (c) transgender and gender-diverse identities; (d) gay and bisexual male identities; and (e) lesbian and bisexual female identities. The most frequent research areas, taking together all the five identity categories considered in the present review, were the differences between LGBT+ people and cis-heterosexual people, the discrimination and homophobia/transphobia in sport-related contexts, and the competent interventions and aging well in LGBT+ older adults. Conclusions Findings suggest a lack of information regarding PA in older LGBT+ aged 65 and over. Future research should investigate the barriers and enablers of PA in older LGBT+ people. Policy Implications It is mandatory to promote regular exercise to reduce health disparities between older LGBT+ individuals and their cis-heterosexual counterparts. The policy and environmental implications of the findings for older LGBT+ people are discussed.