Lesbian Aging

Abstract

The literature on lesbian gerontology is a relatively new, growing, and valued research topic. Sixty-eight articles on lesbian aging were reviewed and empirical findings summarized. Non-empirical articles from the academic and professional literature, as well as narrative accounts related to lesbian aging were also reviewed. These 68 combined works indicated that the cultural marginalization of both women and homosexuals stimulates in many lesbian women adaptive strategies which are useful in meeting the challenges of aging, even while older lesbians are constrained by social constructions of gender, sexual orientation, and age. These factors combine to present a unique profile of challenges to lesbians as they age. Topics for research in lesbian aging have been limited in the past to preliminary studies of relationship formation and maintenance and issues of aging, and to social services advisories regarding lesbian-consciousness in case management and planning of gerontological services. A critique of the lesbian gerontological work to date, as well as suggestions for future research are presented.