Abstract
Little is known about how permanent, inclusive, affordable, and supportive long-term housing may affect the health of low-income lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual and/or another identity (LGBTQIA+) older adults. Focus group interviews were conducted with 21 older adults to explore the lived experiences and potential health benefits of living in a new LGBTQIA+-welcoming senior housing. Participants reported that moving into the housing was associated with benefits for health and well-being, especially for psychological health. Community, social support, and in-house services were particularly important. However, the combined nature of LGBTQIA+-welcoming and older adult only housing evoked mixed feelings. Appropriate and accessible housing solutions are essential for LGBTQIA+ older adults and may help address health disparities for these populations.
Highlights
Published: 1 February 2022Older adults who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual and additional identities (LGBTQIA+) experience significant health disparities compared to heterosexual cisgender counterparts
We explored experiences of older adults living in an LGBTQIA+-welcoming and affordable senior housing building in a Western U.S Metropolitan area by conducting a series of three focus groups from July to August 2018
A Mexican American transgender woman felt residents could understand each other’s needs and health experiences, unlike younger people: “Like, “Oh, this aches today”, or, “That aches today”, versus I can’t tell my little nephews or nieces or relate in that sense”. In this qualitative exploration of experiences of living in LGBTQIA+-welcoming affordable senior housing, we found that residents’ mental health and well-being was influenced by gaining housing security as well as specific features offered by WESTHOME
Summary
Older adults who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual and additional identities (LGBTQIA+) experience significant health disparities compared to heterosexual cisgender (i.e., not transgender) counterparts. LGBTQIA+ older adults report critical needs for housing, transportation, and social support, but few aging service providers offer LGBTQIA+-tailored services [1,3]. In addition to needing these focused health and aging services, LGBTQIA+ older adults face significant challenges in obtaining affordable, welcoming, and supportive long-term housing, which may exacerbate their health and aging concerns. These challenges are due to the lack of affordable or subsidized housing, discrimination, and financial hardship, among other factors [4]
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