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

Abstract

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.

Meeting the Behavioral Health Needs of LGBT Older Adults

“…If Elise were to lose her capacity for medical decision making, these crucial decisions could be left to an estranged sibling. Furthermore, because members of chosen families tend to be of similar age to one another, their own age‐related health conditions may limit their caregiving capacity compared with younger children and grandchildren …”

“…It is critical to point out that the great majority of LGBT people of any age show remarkable perseverance in the face of adversity. LGBT older adults have described how surviving in a discriminatory environment has bolstered their resilience, especially if they participated in activism for social justice . In one large survey of LGBT older adults, more than 80% reported engaging in physical and wellness activities .…”

“…Furthermore, because members of chosen families tend to be of similar age to one another, their own age-related health conditions may limit their caregiving capacity compared with younger children and grandchildren. 20…”

“…LGBT older adults have described how surviving in a discriminatory environment has bolstered their resilience, especially if they participated in activism for social justice. 20 In one large survey of LGBT older adults, more than 80% reported engaging in physical and wellness activities. 2 Moreover, some studies suggest that behavioral health improves as LGBT people age.…”

Older Lesbians’ experiences of ageing in place in rural Tasmania, Australia: An exploratory qualitative investigation

“…They suggest that “heterosexual normalcy” is reproduced in rural spaces through implicit and explicit interactions in rural public spaces (2018, 914). Other US studies reveal that heteronormativity also impacts healthcare access for lesbian seniors in rural areas, with rural services being less likely to be LGBTI inclusive and geographical isolation posing a barrier to lesbian social supports (see Boggs et al., 2017; Bradford et al., 2016).…”