Predictors of Well-being Among Older Gays and Lesbians

Abstract

This study aims to examine the predictors of subjective well-being in older gays and lesbians across multiple domains including health, function, personality, and socio-environmental factors. Participants were 209 community-dwelling gays and lesbians ages 56–80 residing in Israel. Structured questionnaires were completed. Assessments included subjective well-being, hope, physical and mental health, participation, activities of daily living (ADL), Instrumental ADLs, environment and living conditions, and accessibility and availability of community services. Physical and mental health, hope, and community availability and accessibility were significant predictors of subjective well-being in the fully adjusted model. Environmental factors were secondary in their predictive ability. Findings are novel in elucidating the contribution of health, hope, and communal services to the well-being of older gays and lesbians. Hope may mediate the relationship between well-being, and social participation and environment and living conditions in this population. Implications include the promotion of health monitoring and provision services, and tackling mental health difficulties via interventions that aim to enhance one’s sense of agency and goal achievement. Another avenue for enhancing older gays and lesbians’ agency and well-being may involve strengthening their communal and environmental resources in their place of residency.