LGBT Seniors Research Articles

Identifying barriers associated with LGBT seniors’ housing: opportunities moving forward in the Canadian context

This research aims to determine barriers to seniors’ housing options among the LGBT population in Canada. Using a qualitative analysis of open-ended questions from a survey of 982 LGBT seniors and housing providers across Canada, this paper discusses housing options for LGBT seniors and provides an overview of the implications for planning and operating LGBT-inclusive housing. Barriers identified by the LGBT community include: fear of discrimination, homophobia, transphobia and violence from staff and residents, housing affordability and availability, health challenges, feeling unsafe, intersectional barriers, and building maintenance. Barriers identified by housing service providers include: no current inclusion practices at their workplaces, lack of information for staff and seniors, health challenges for seniors and housing affordability. The findings discuss the potential for LGBT-specific seniors’ housing in Canada, and the role of housing service providers, health care providers, and planners in creating inclusive housing accommodations and services which meet the needs of all seniors. Approaches such as providing better information on housing choices to seniors, implementing anti-discrimination policies and LGBT competency training for housing providers and staff, providing affordable and accessible units, and LGBT community engagement in the development of housing are critical.

Continuing education with a holistic approach to the Brazilian LGBT+ population through use of the m-health App

AimThis article aims to discuss the development of a continuing education course for health care professionals to provide competent healthcare assistance to the Brazilian LGBT+ population and the implementation of this course using a m-Health solution. BackgroundThere is a scarcity of continuing education courses in the Brazilian context that update provides evidenced-informed education to ensure health care professional competence in the delivery of health care to LGBT+ individuals. MethodsBased on Bloom's taxonomy, with a main focus on the cognitive domain, the course "Ally: A Holistic Approach to the LGBT+ Individual'' was developed in five months. This was based on the Nurse's Health Education for LGBT Seniors (HEALE), the Curriculum Implementation and Institutional Climate manual, Changes to Improve Healthcare for LGBT People, Gender Nonconforming or Born with DSD" and the National Comprehensive Health Policy for LGBT+ People, among others. ResultsComprising six modules: i) human sexuality; ii) equitable care and appropriate terminology; iii) public health policy for the LGBT+ population; iv) cultural skills for health professionals; v) aging and health care for the LGBT+ population; and vi) mental health of LGBT+ people. Content validity indexing was established using an expert panel and was Ally was supported by a m-Health Solution called “Over the Rainbow'' and totals of 60 h of education. ConclusionsThis m-Health solution and continuing education course for health professionals can be an opportunity to change health professionals’ practice to offer more equitable health care for the LGBT+ population.

Aging out: Place and sexuality

This paper explores LGBT retirees as agents of change who are renegotiating the terms of healthy aging in place and expanding our understanding of lifestyle and retirement migration. For the first time in history, a generation of self-identified lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, and transgender individuals have entered retirement. However, their subjective experiences have largely been glossed over in popular discourses of successful aging and migration in heteronormative society. This article explores why and how older LGBT people are choosing housing options to age “out of place” in order to support their sexual lives and identities. Examining the everyday experiences of these seniors—members of a double minority, both aged and LGBT—allows us to disrupt the idea of what healthy “aging in place” means and when it might actually be unhealthy. Employing standpoint theory pushes the analysis of marginalized voices to the fore and allows us to ask about these seniors’ subjective realities. What results is a reimagining of the aging landscape. Interview data from LGBT seniors who have migrated to LGBT naturally occurring retirement communities or LGBT-focused housing complexes in France, Sweden, and Germany are used to stretch our notions of wellbeing and aging in place for these diverse retirees. One finding is that for these LGBT seniors, disrupting social norms by aging out of place is not escapist or amenity-seeking, but is key to honoring their sexuality and aging process in a safe and supportive environment.

Older Adults in an LGBT Residential Community: Impact of a Safe Space on Occupation and Well-Being

Background: LGBT seniors have suffered a lifetime of societal and institutional discrimination and health care inequalities. The number of LGBT people 50 years of age and older will surpass five million in the coming decades. LGBT seniors are at greater risk of disability, isolation, physical and mental health issues, and substance abuse. Supportive social environments and networks are correlated with higher quality of life. The purpose of this study was to better understand how living in a safe and secure apartment community specifically for low-income LGBT older adults impacted the residents’ daily life and well-being.

Attitudes and Knowledge of Medical Students Towards Healthcare for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Seniors: Impact of a Case-Based Discussion With Facilitators From the Community.

Background: Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) seniors are generally a medically underserved population that faces unique healthcare challenges. When compared to younger patients, LGBT seniors are at a greater risk for social isolation and have higher rates of smoking, disability, physical and mental distress, and lack of access to healthcare services. They are often reluctant to discuss their sexual orientations and gender identities with healthcare providers due to fear of discrimination and receiving inferior care based on prior unsatisfactory experiences with untrained or insensitive healthcare providers. Furthermore, recent research has revealed that only about 50% of primary care providers indicated confidence in providing culturally competent LGBT healthcare, highlighting the need for more LGBT proficiency training in medical school curricula.Objectives: The aim of this study was to provide early intervention training to first-year medical students regarding best practices for equitable healthcare for LGBT seniors through integrative, small group, case-based discussions. The impact of this activity on the knowledge and attitudes of medical students regarding LGBT healthcare was also assessed.Methods: First-year medical students participated in a two-hour small group, case-based discussion. Each group consisted of seven to eight students with one of seven facilitators who were invited members of the LGBT community. Students were provided with two clinical case scenarios related to treatment of LGBT senior patients. Students were given a pre/post-session knowledge and attitude survey to assess the impact of the session on their attitudes and understanding of the importance of providing equitable healthcare to LGBT patients. A rubric was also used by facilitators to evaluate level of student engagement and professionalism.Results: A total of 51 first-year medical students attended the session and 38 (74.5%) completed the pre/post surveys. There was diverse representation in our student demographic with 5.2% of respondents identifying as LGBT. Survey results showed a significant increase in knowledge confidence and attitudes following the session. Students’ attitudes regarding determinants of health status changed significantly for nine of the 13 (69%) survey items. In addition, their confidence in knowledge regarding healthcare barriers, health issues, and practices for LGBT culturally competent care significantly increased post-session. Data from our assessment rubrics also show that students were highly professional and engaged with the LGBT facilitators.Conclusion: Our study provides some evidence that case-based training of medical students regarding issues that affect health of LGBT seniors can improve attitudes and sensitize them to the unique needs of this population. Through this activity, the students indicated their desire to learn more about the topics covered and to receive further training in this field of study. While the study was somewhat limited by a small participant number, the significance of the data demonstrates the effectiveness of the approach involving members of the LGBT community as facilitators. Future work with these students as part of a longitudinal curriculum will include additional LGBT proficiency training to be offered in the subsequent blocks of instruction. Additionally, this intervention could potentially be adapted by other medical schools.

LGBT Seniors in the Pandemic: Silenced and Vulnerable

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) seniors face disparities in physical and mental health as well as high rates of social isolation and risk of discrimination in comparison to cisgender, heterosexual people. Having identities and experiences silenced by real or perceived risks of discrimination increases isolation and vulnerability for marginalized communities and individuals. This article presents the case of Janelle, a senior, transgender lesbian, and her experiences of isolation and intersecting disparities before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, and how those experiences shape her concerns about the future. Her experiences demonstrate the ways in which the health and social risks presented by the pandemic exacerbate preexisting vulnerabilities for older LGBT adults.

Senior sexual and gender minorities’ perception of healthcare services: A phenomenological approach

ABSTRACT The purpose of this research is to explore the sexual and gender minority seniors’ experience and perception of healthcare services. A phenomenological focus group study was conducted by interviewing members of a local LGBT seniors’ organization in the Northeastern USA. The results of the exploratory research study are threefold. First, the participants were not particularly concerned about the everyday interaction with their healthcare providers, finding their gender and sexuality irrelevant to their daily healthcare visits. Second, they were worried about their financial stability and future on account of covering healthcare costs. This is partly because they have less income and family support compared to the general population. Third, the most important shared concern was whether the long-term healthcare facilities, such as nursing homes, would be culturally competent. The findings of current research also highlight that participants were not aware of any particular facility that is inclusive of all gender and sexual identities. In conclusion, long-term healthcare facilities (e.g. nursing homes, assisted-living facilities) should invest in the inclusiveness training of their employees. Also, healthcare facilities could benefit from emphasizing the inclusiveness of their facility in their communications to this profile. Theoretical and managerial implications, and future research opportunities are also discussed.

Raising Awareness and Addressing Elder Abuse in the LGBT Community: An Intergenerational Arts Project

This paper reports on a collaborative digital arts project conducted with LGBT youth and seniors in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, funded by the B.C. Council to Reduce Elder Abuse and conducted by faculty members and a doctoral student from Simon Fraser University. In the project, youth and seniors worked together to produce the first Canadian materials on LGBT elder abuse—three digital videos and five informational posters. We report on the methods used to produce and disseminate the materials, and as we reflect on the project’s outcomes, we consider both the challenges and potential of digital literacies in this context.

LGBT Seniors: Including the Invisible Population

LGBT Seniors: Including the Invisible Population

Niche Housing as Social Prosthetic for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Seniors: Resident Motivations and Perceptions

Niche housing is one of the fastest growing segments of housing projects for elders in the United States. Folks select housing for many reasons including finances, social connections, safety, comfort, style, and services provided. This paper explores one of the latest developments, Town Hall Apartments, Chicago, created specifically to meet the needs of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) seniors with limited income. Senior housing precedents and theories are explained and interviews with residents of the complex are analyzed. Findings provide ideas and directions for other designers to pursue when creating housing not only for LGBT seniors but other niche markets as well.

Aging & Diversity: LGBT Seniors and Long-Term Care

Aging & Diversity: LGBT Seniors and Long-Term Care

Is old age always already heterosexual (and cisgender)? The LGBT Gerontology and the formation of the "LGBT elders"

Abstract This article seeks to present an anthropological and critical view of the development of a thriving field of knowledge production (especially present in North America) which for some decades has investigated the aging processes among lesbians, gay men and bisexual and transgender people. This field, still relatively unknown in Brazil and in South America as a whole, has been named "LGBT Gerontology ". Thus my interest lies in critically and systematically presenting and contextualizing the main trends, controversies and theoretical debates in this field, as well as their recent implications on the complex constitution, legitimation and creation of public policies concerning the new social actors, who rise concomitantly - the "LGBT seniors."

Internet use among LGBT seniors in Canada

Internet use among LGBT seniors in Canada

LGBT health and vaccinations: Findings from a community health survey of Lexington-Fayette County, Kentucky, USA

Data on adult immunization coverage at the state level and for LGBT Americans in particular are sparse. This study reports the results of a 2012 Lexington-Fayette County, Kentucky, community health assessment's results asking about eight adult vaccinations among 218 lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered (LGBT) respondents. Researchers collected data using an online survey distributed through LGBT social media, posters, and LGBT print media. The LGBT sample largely matches the demographics of the county as a whole except this group reports higher level of education and fewer uninsured individuals. Among LGBT respondents, immunization prevalence reaches 68.0% (annual Influenza), 65.7% (Hepatitis B), 58.8% (Chickenpox/Varicella), 55.9% (Hepatitis A), 41.2% (Smallpox), and 25.8% (Pneumonia). Among respondents who are currently within the recommended 19–26 years age range for the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, the LGBT females are less likely to report receiving the vaccine (15.4%) compared to the national coverage percentage of 34.5%. Males, however, are more likely to have received the vaccine (10.3%) than the national percentage of 2.3%. The small number of LGBT seniors in the study report a much higher prevalence of the Shingles (Herpes Zoster) vaccines than for U.S. seniors 60 and older (71.4% compared to 20.1% nationally). LGBT respondents report higher percentages of adult vaccination.

Helping Your Facility Adjust to a Rainbow World

Helping Your Facility Adjust to a Rainbow World

Social Work Practice With LGBT Seniors

The Los Angeles Gay & Lesbian Center began providing services to LGBT seniors in 2008. Since then, the Center’s seniors program has grown to over 3,300 clients. It provides a variety of enrichment and support services with the overarching goal of empowering seniors to successfully age in place. This article outlines the service delivery program of the Center’s Seniors Services Department and describes its successes and challenges in meeting the needs of diverse LGBT seniors. It offers future directions for social work practice, policy, and research with LGBT older adults.

Acceptance in the Domestic Environment: The Experience of Senior Housing for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Seniors

The social environment impacts the ability of older adults to interact successfully with their community and age-in-place. This study asked, for the first time, residents of existing Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) senior living communities to explain why they chose to live in those communities and what, if any, benefit the community afforded them. Focus groups were conducted at 3 retirement communities. Analysis found common categories across focus groups that explain the phenomenon of LGBT senior housing. Acceptance is paramount for LGBT seniors and social networks expanded, contrary to socioemotional selectivity theory. Providers are encouraged to develop safe spaces for LGBT seniors.

Hidden or Uninvited? A Content Analysis of Elder LGBT of Color Literature in Gerontology

As longevity increases and marginalized communities achieve greater visibility in the United States, a content analysis of 64 articles in social work, health, medicine and nursing, and gerontology/psychology examined the extent to which the literature examines the needs and concerns of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) seniors of color (SOC). We found recognition of the distinct cultural needs of sexual orientation and gender minorities. However the distinctive needs of LGBT SOC remains underexplored and poorly documented. Gerontologists, social workers, policymakers, and advocates must support research that values the experience and multiple vulnerabilities of LGBT seniors and questions the structures preventing inclusion and participation.

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Aging Concerns

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) elders and long-term couples have become more visible and their special concerns about aging are being recognized by gerontologists. LGBT elders are a diverse group with regard to all characteristics. This article focuses on the characteristics, research needs and barriers, service needs and barriers, clinical implications, and suggestions for appropriate treatment to increase awareness of clinical gerontologists who may not be familiar with LGBT seniors or who wish to improve their services to this population. Gerontologists working in long-term care facilities and those working in social and home care services may be especially interested in the special concerns of transgender elders and the recent changes in public policy regarding all LGBT elders.

Engaging new media to drive advance care planning.

153 Background: Though Congress enacted the Patient Self-Determination Act in 1991, only 18-36% of Americans have completed an advance directive. Less than half of severely ill patients had an advance directive in their medical record, only one in three with a chronic illness completed an advance directive, and studies suggest that two-thirds of physicians whose patients had advance directives were unaware of the existence of the documents. The Act required healthcare facilities to provide written information on rights to make treatment decisions and to make information available to patients who did not have an advance directive. There was a mandate directing HHS to conduct an awareness campaign about advance directives. The low acceptance of the directives demonstrates a failure to educate patients about their rights. Hypothesis: A patient-centered approach to end of life issues will generate better communication and result in greater acceptance of advance directives- achieving the goals of the Patient Self-Determination Act. Methods: A survey of 196 people showed that 67.7% felt that end of life issues were not covered enough in the media. We created a Newswire using WordPress and posted an average of three news stories weekly on topics pertaining to end of life. Posts were generated from existing media coverage and original reporting. The topics included culture, society, politics, healthcare, caregiving, law, advance care planning, hospice, and palliative care services. We tracked the number of views, the most viewed reports, monthly traffic and referral sources. We established Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest accounts. We tracked followers, likes, re-tweets, pins, and shares. Results: From 8/2012 through 2/2013, the number of views increased from 566 to 2,452 with a peak of 3,809 in 11/2012. The most viewed day was 11/7/2012, the day following Election Day. The most viewed reports to date have been “Caregiver Discrimination Against LGBT Seniors,” “Psychedelic Drugs at the End of Life,” and “POLST Moving Forward in Illinois.” The referral sources in descending order are Facebook, Twitter, and Yahoo. Conclusions: We demonstrated that there is an interest in patient-centered topics pertaining to the end of life and that social media drives interest, education and conversation.