Older Gay Research Articles

Older Gay Men's Sexual Experiences as Boys with Men: An Empirical and Narrative Analysis.

A dominant view among researchers is that boys' sexual interactions with adult men are traumatizing. In contrast, many gay men recall childhood sexual experiences with adult males as positive. The current study tested for both of these outcomes by examining recalled boyhood sexual experiences of older gay men. Interviews were conducted in the 1970-1980s, and thus, before the public view became popular that child-adult sexual interactions must be traumatizing. Quantitative analyses suggested that gay men with boyhood sexual experiences with adult males (n = 7, mostly aged 11-16 at first experience with men aged 20s to 50s) were as well adjusted as those without these experiences (n = 10), and these experiences were usually viewed positively (71%). Narrative analyses indicated that adjustment problems in adulthood were not related to these early sexual experiences but to other factors such as parental abusiveness, societal intolerance, internalized homophobia, or social isolation.

Social relations among older gay men and trans women in Chile: Diverse, intimate, functional and reciprocal networks

Although LGTBIQ+ groups have experienced social transformations towards greater levels of respect and public presence in Chile in recent decades, the life trajectories of older people remain marginal in studies and surveys regarding sexual and gender diversity. In a society where homophobia is a current and oppressive attitude despite important advances, it is essential to examine the experiences of older LGBTIQ+ people, especially because they are vulnerable to dual discrimination in old age owing to a combination of homophobia and ageism. This study involved an analysis of social ties based on the Convoy Model, to understand how different life courses have influenced the structuring of social networks in old age among gay men and trans women in Chile. Framed within the context of broader research into four axes of diversity in ageing, this study reports the results of thirteen biographies of older people (ten gay men and three trans women). In-depth interviews were conducted using a biographical approach in which the social links that accompany the life course are deepened. A thematic analysis strategy was applied and the interview data were processed through NVivo. The findings show three concentric circles surrounding the participants: closest (made up of partner, immediate family and chosen family), closer (made up biological and extended family) and close (made up of peers and neighbours). The older people are integrated into social networks with diverse compositions, share closeness and intimacy, receive emotional, informational and instrumental social support, and are active providers of reciprocal support. However, the study notes certain risk factors, such as the difficulty of cohabiting and maintaining relationships with a partner. Participants living alone reported fearing an absence of instrumental support during more advanced stages of the ageing process.

The collective trauma of HIV/AIDS and contemporary constructions of health: Older gay men's perspectives

The collective trauma of HIV/AIDS and contemporary constructions of health: Older gay men's perspectives

A Qualitative Study Exploring Aging Gay and Bisexual Men’s Needs From Healthcare Services in Israel

Abstract Introduction Older gay and bisexual men are exposed to heightened risks of physical and mental health disorders. Therefore, understanding their unique needs from healthcare services is essential and is set at the focus of the present study. Methods The current qualitative study explored aging gay and bisexual men’s unique experiences and needs from healthcare services in Israel. Participants (N = 80, age range 47–82, M = 59.59, SD = 7.40) were interviewed in the years 2018–2020 and queried regarding their needs from and experiences with healthcare services, which were later thematically analyzed using Braun and Clarke’s Thematic Analysis. Results Six themes were identified from participants’ responses: Romantic relationships and parenting, sexuality in old age, ageism, loneliness, the need for a unique support framework for the gay and bisexual communities, and perceived factors preventing accessibility to healthcare services. Conclusions The results revealed certain barriers for attaining healthcare services as well as the need for distinctive health and psychological services for gay and bisexual men. Policy Implications The participants’ unique experiences and needs may aid in offering useful solutions for policy makers, social agents, and clinicians in order to improve healthcare services utilized by aging gay and bisexual men.

Needs, Experiences, and Hopes for Aging Futures among Older Adults in the LGBTQ Communities: A Qualitative Study in Israel

Older lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, and queer (LGBTQ) individuals tend to live alone, mostly without children and with scarce support from nuclear family members or biological kin. Moreover, traditional resources may not suit their specific end-of-life care needs. While studies have examined these topics in general, they lack focus on end-of-life needs, care, and planning in Israel. Moreover, research on this topic among members of LGBTQ communities is specifically lacking. This study, therefore, aimed at identifying and understanding the attitudes, perceptions, and meanings of older LGBTQ individuals in Israel regarding their needs and challenges, as they age and near end of life. The phenomenological qualitative research methodology was applied, following the interpretive approach. Twenty-one middle-aged and older LGBTQ individuals in Israel, aged ≥ 55, participated in the study. In-depth semi-structured interviews, conducted from November 2020 to April 2021, were audio-recorded, transcribed, and de-identified. Five themes emerged from the interviews: (1) Experiences of loneliness, marginalization, and trauma, and coping through liberation; (2) ageism and exclusion of older adults; (3) elastic and challenging relationships; (4) end of life as reverting into the closet and heteronormativity; and (5) death as a source of generativity and creativity. The study demonstrates that loneliness is an existential experience, exacerbated by the intersectionality of LGBTQ communities. In turn, chosen family members play a minimal role in the end-of-life care of their loved ones. While conveying ambivalence toward social services and housing for the aging, participants in this study expressed fear of being discriminated against and having to re-enter the closet as they age. Ageism and end of life do not represent finality and extinction, yet instead, signify hope and revival. Following Sandberg and Marshall’s (2017) concept of queering aging futures, this study refines our understanding of life courses, demonstrating that living and thriving in old age could be positive and desirable. As such, ageism and end of life do not necessarily represent finality and extinction, and may instead signify hope and revival. The unique challenges associated with family and social support of older adults who are LGBTQ members, and their implications on care, deserve further research and are important for practice.

Does Resilience Mediate the Relationship Between Negative Self-Image and Psychological Distress in Middle-Aged and Older Gay and Bisexual Men?

Aging gay and bisexual men may have negative self-images due to body image dissatisfaction and internalized ageism, resulting in psychological distress. Gay and bisexual men with HIV may be at greater risk for distress because of research linking HIV to accelerated aging. We examined associations between self-image and psychological distress, and potential mediating effects (resilience, fitness engagement), and whether these relationships were moderated by HIV serostatus. We tested our hypotheses with structural equation modeling using data from gay and bisexual men with HIV (n = 525, Mage = 57.6) and without HIV (n = 501, Mage = 62.2). We observed significant positive associations between self-image and distress and significant mediation effects (resilience, fitness engagement) that were moderated by HIV serostatus (resilience was only significant for men with HIV). We conclude that resilience interventions may be beneficial in alleviating distress from negative self-image among aging gay and bisexual men with HIV.

Factors Associated with Erectile Dysfunction Among Older Gay Men

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common issue that aging men encounter, but whether internalized gay ageism (i.e., the internalization of ageist messages within the context of aging as a gay man) is related to ED among older gay men is unknown. A cross-sectional web-based survey explored the relationship between internalized gay ageism, health-related and social factors, and ED among older gay men who resided in the Midwest United States (N = 181). Internalized gay ageism was not significantly associated with ED. However, hierarchical regression analysis found that age (β = .224, t = 2.70, p = .008) and overall health (β = −.247, t = −3.05, p = .003) were significantly associated with ED among older gay men, suggesting that older gay men share similar risk factors for ED as the general male population. Future research should continue to explore other factors that are unique to gay men that may be associated with ED.

Evil-related threats and mental health concomitants among offspring of Holocaust survivors gay men

Objectives In view of the accumulated stress associated with the combination of intergenerational trauma and minority stress, we aimed to examine whether offspring of Holocaust survivors (OHS) reported stronger evil-related threats compared to non-OHS individuals and whether OHS gay men experienced stronger threats. We also examined whether sexual orientation moderated the hypothesized indirect effect of Holocaust background on mental health through evil-related threats. Method Participants were 346 middle-aged and older Israeli men (mean age = 60.56, SD = 8.42, range 50–86). Among them, 173 identified as gay men, and 81 identified as OHS. Participants completed measures of evil-related threats, depression, and life satisfaction. Results Analysis of covariance revealed that OHS men reported stronger evil-related threats compared to non-OHS men. Yet, an interaction between Holocaust background and sexual orientation indicated that OHS gay men reported stronger evil-related threats compared to non-OHS gay men, while no such difference existed among heterosexual counterparts. Conditional indirect effect analysis showed a significant indirect effect, in which Holocaust background related to higher depressive symptoms and lower life satisfaction through evil-related threats among gay men, but not among heterosexual men. Conclusion This study sheds light on the particular experience of evil-related threats, focusing on older OHS gay men and the mental health vulnerability associated with it. In applied contexts, this might help identify a sexual minority group that is particularly sensitive to adverse mental health and offer it supporting interventions.

Aging well in an aging society: physical health in older lesbian, gay, and bisexual adults.

Older sexual minority people meet a double stigma in our society related to their sexual identity and chronological age. The present study explores how experiences of discrimination and prejudice, coming out, and personal resiliency influence physical health of older lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) adults. Respondents were recruited through online advertisements and an online-based survey. The sample included 82 Italian cisgender LGB adults over 65 years: young older adults (65-70 years; 78%) and old-old adults (over 71 years; 22%). Regarding sexual orientation, the sample was composed of sexual minority women (n = 30; 37%) and sexual minority men (n = 52; 63%). ANOVAs' findings showed that sexual minority women described lower levels of physical health compared to sexual minority men. At the same time, old-old adults reported higher experiences of discrimination and prejudice compared to young older adults. Moreover, findings from hierarchical multiple regression analysis described that coming out, higher levels of personal resiliency, and fewer experiences of discrimination were predictors of physical health, regardless of age and sexual minority categories. These findings seem to align with previous studies that underline the relevance of investigating aging well in sexual minority people. Knowledge and awareness of LGBTQ+ issues are necessary for recognizing the unique needs and resources of older LGB people for promoting a healthy aging process.

Social and Mental Health Factors Associated with Sexual Satisfaction Among Older Gay Men.

The internalization of ageist stereotypes or messages based on the framework of an aging gay man is known as internalized gay ageism. Internalized gay ageism may influence an older gay man's sexual satisfaction. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between internalized gay ageism and sexual satisfaction and determine if body image was a potential mediator. A cross-sectional online survey collected data on sexual satisfaction and other variables related to sexual health and well-being among older gay men. Inclusion criteria included: aged 50 or older, identified as gay, identified as male, assigned male at birth, and resided in the Midwestern region of the United States. Descriptive, bivariate, and mediation analyses were conducted. A complete mediation effect was found between internalized gay ageism and sexual satisfaction when mediated by body image. Older gay men who were in open relationships were more sexually satisfied than single/widowed older gay men. Future research should continue to explore internalized gay ageism, relationship status, body image, and sexual satisfaction among older gay men.

Addressing Equity and Justice in Age-Friendly Communities: Considerations for LGBTQ+ Older Adults of Color.

This research critically examined the concept of age-friendliness from the perspectives of older Black lesbian women living in New York City (NYC). The primary aim was to extend existing age-friendly frameworks to more inclusively meet the needs of older lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer adults of color, promoting greater equity and justice. Applying principles from critical participatory action research, we collected and analyzed data from 5 focus groups consisting of 5 older Black lesbian women. Participants shared their daily experiences living in NYC and proposed ideas to enhance the age-friendliness of the city to better accommodate their unique needs and experiences. Participants called for greater attention to the interaction between identities and structures in relation to age-friendly communities. Historic and contemporary experiences of violence and discrimination, as well as the ever-shifting political context were identified as a key factor shaping their aging experiences. The need for affirming spaces with positive representation of their layered identities was emphasized in the context of age-friendly interventions. While dominant age-friendly frameworks are universally accepted for improving the health and wellbeing of older adults, the specific challenges of aging with multiple intersecting marginalized identities necessitate a critical perspective. Gerontology needs to take seriously how privilege and oppression operate within society, shaping health and aging trajectories of vulnerable and underserved populations.

Social Determinants of Health Inequities for Older LGBT Adults: A Scoping Review.

Despite the research on a health-disparate population, less is known about the social determinants of health (SDOH) inequities among older lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) adults. This scoping review aimed to explore and summarize what is known in the literature regarding the SDOH among older LGBT adults. The Joanna Briggs Institute's (JBI) approach guided this scoping review, which examined 31 articles that included quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-method studies. Data were analyzed by three independent reviewers through a predesigned process of data charting, descriptive summary, and thematic analysis. Older participants were primarily LGBT and LGB. The findings identified four intersecting dimensions of individuals, social, economic, and health care system, contributing to health inequities and poor health outcomes. Given the importance of SDOH for older LGBT adults, stakeholders including health care providers need to better understand the multiple intersecting influences, provide culturally congruent health care, and integrate sources of support into the care of these sexual- and gender-minority older adults.

Beyond identity and generations: bringing life course theory to studies of older gay men.

The last century's numerous, rapid social changes affecting gay men make studies of gay male aging a ripe topic for life course theory, which views later life as the product of historical grounded interchanges between individual lives, social change, and structural contexts. That identifying as gay can occur at any point in the life course widens some life course theorists' primary focus on early-life events to include those occurring throughout the life course. Yet most historically-attentive research on older gay men focuses on generations and identity development rather than on cohorts - groups who entered a system or context at the same time - or on the cumulative, concrete outcomes of encountering social change at a particular point in the life course. This article argues for gay male aging studies' use of life course theory, specifically, its focus on cohort membership's implications for later life, including cumulative disadvantage, in addition to more generationally-focused investigations. After briefly reviewing scholarship on older gay men, we introduce the life course approach and its critique by queer gerontologists for adopting a heteronormative view of the LGBT life course and eliding its distinctive contours. With particular attention to later-life concrete outcomes rather than identity formation, we explore key historical events in gay men's lives that have produced (in the case of the AIDS epidemic) or could produce (for example, the Marriage Equality Act, the Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy) distinctive gay male cohorts. We then consider intra-cohort variation within gay male cohorts before exploring some the barriers to investigating cohorts and cohort effects among older gay men.

Occupational involvement of older gay men

ABSTRACT Introduction Older people often face discrimination and stigma across different societies. Older gay men may confront a dual stigma, being targeted for their age and sexual orientation. Such stigmatization frequently and unjustly subjects this group to prevailing social expectations, affecting their occupational involvement. Objective: To investigate the occupational involvement of older gay men. Method: This exploratory, qualitative study involved eight participants aged between 61 and 69 years. Participants were recruited using the snowball sampling technique. Narratives were gathered using a semi-structured script, and the resulting data were assessed through thematic analysis. Findings: Analysis of the participants’ narratives revealed five dominant themes concerning the relationship between aging as a gay individual and involvement in occupation: self-care; mobility; support networks; the interplay of repression, resistance, and expression of sexuality; and life planning. Conclusion: The process of aging for gay men is intricately linked to their occupations, both in past and present contexts, as well as their aspirations for the future. Notably, these occupations and aspirations encompass practices related to maintaining a youthful appearance, urban accessibility, the forging of homosexual identities, nurturing emotional and social connections, confronting repression and violence, and reflecting on the historical and personal challenges presented by the HIV/AIDS epidemic.

Factors Associated With Recent Decline in Anal Health Among Older Gay and Bisexual Men: A Cross-sectional Analysis.

We investigated factors associated with "worse than usual" anal health among gay and bisexual men aged ≥35 years recruited to a longitudinal study of anal human papillomavirus infection/lesions from September 2010 to August 2015.Among 616 participants (median age 49 years; 36% HIV-positive), 42 (6.8%) reported worse than usual anal health in the last 4 weeks. Associated factors included spending less time with gay friends (odds ratio [OR] = 2.25, 95% CI = 1.06-4.77), most time "feeling down"(OR = 9.17, 95% CI = 2.94-28.59), reduced libido (OR = 2.90, 95% CI = 1.52-5.52), current anal symptoms (OR = 6.55, 95% CI = 2.54-16.90), recent anal wart diagnosis (OR = 4.33, 95% CI = 1.98-9.49), and fear of developing anal cancer (OR = 9.34, 95% CI = 4.52-19.28).Concerns regarding anal health should be routinely discussed by clinicians, and potentially associated psychosocial, physical, and sexual issues further explored.

Gay & Gray XI: Somewhere Over the Rainbow - Aging with Pride!

Having previously tackled topics such as LGBTQ military sexual trauma, revisiting aging populations and HIV, and the intersectional experience of black queer older adults, Gay & Gray this year will focus on the transitional process of aging itself. While seniors cope with life changes as they grow older, LGBTQ seniors face specific challenges that may be especially burdensome. Often, older LGBTQ adults “have to make a hard choice at the end of their lives: Go ‘back into the closet’ or accept inferior care and discrimination” (CBC). This predicament embodies “a fear of loss of autonomy, identity, and freedom of sexual expression,” and often results in compromise “in order to feel safe during a period in which they anticipate… being vulnerable and lacking in power” (Wilson, et al.).In this session, we will discuss powerful issues including the threat of isolation while aging, healthcare access, and moving to long-term housing through the lens of gender and sexual minorities. First, we will explore how older LGBTQ adults are often more isolated than their heterosexual counterparts, with higher rates of living alone, fewer sources of family and social supports, and greater stigma among their peers (SAGE “US Army Vet”, Progress Lifeline). We will also consider reasons why LGBTQ adults may be hesitant to disclose their sexual orientation and gender identity to healthcare providers, fearing inadequate care and even outright discrimination. Afterwards, we will discuss how LGBTQ adults’ transitions from independent living into assisted living and nursing homes are further complicated by concerns about experiencing physical and verbal harassment, as more and more LGBTQ individuals fear “being forced back into the closet” and “conceal… their true selves” in order to access services and avoid harassment (Wilson, et al.). Lastly, we will evaluate potential solutions to promote community and enhance access to safe housing for aging LGBTQ individuals.

Book Review: Daddies of a Different Kind: Sex and Romance Between Older and Younger Adult Gay Men by Tony Silva

Book Review: <i>Daddies of a Different Kind: Sex and Romance Between Older and Younger Adult Gay Men</i> by Tony Silva

Cultivating psychological well-being amongst older gay men: A qualitative exploration

Cultivating psychological well-being amongst older gay men: A qualitative exploration

The Homophobia Course in the Life of Older Gay Men in Brazil: Their Social Representations

ABSTRACT This study aims at understanding the social representations of homophobia among older gay men. A number of 20 older gay men aged between 60 and 75 years old participated of the study; the average age was 63.25 years old (SD = 3.58). In the data collection, a semi-structured interview about homophobia was used; they were analyzed on IRAMUTEQ, which compiles the descendant hierarchical classification. The corpus was divided into three classes of social representations. The first representation comprises images of prejudice within society. The second one presents social representations involving reports of internalized homophobia and the experiencing of prejudice. The third one shows social representations about physical and identity violations. The social representations of homophobia show how the participants lead their actions in society, being based upon risk and protection issues to face the objective and subjective difficulties present in their social representations.

A Scoping Review of Older LGBTI People's Experiences of Homecare

Amidst the global growth of the ageing demographic in the world, an inclusive assessment of the care needs of the older lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex (LGBTI) population is receiving increasing attention, especially in view of reported health inequalities for these minority groups and the position of their sexual orientations and gender identities within a predominantly heteronormative health and social system. This literature review aims to identify and analyse previous research on older LGBTI people’s views, experiences, and perceptions of homecare provision. We searched the CINAHL, Medline, and PsychINFO databases and found a total of 337 records. After an eligibility assessment, 12 studies were selected, comprising 11 qualitative studies, and one mixed methods study. Under an overarching theme of fears of discrimination and of receiving suboptimal care, we further categorised our findings in the following three interlinked subthemes: (a) disclosure of gender identity and sexual orientation; (b) emerging meanings of LGBTI‐competent care; and (c) recommendations for improved quality of LGBTI‐friendly services. The overall surfacing outcome of our analysis of the participants’ experiences described in the studies examined is an aspiration for homecare services ensuring quality of holistic, person‐centred care that recognises this population’s distinct set of requirements, including knowledge and consideration of their histories of inequalities and oppression. Wider awareness about the need to re‐imagine more inclusive care for the LGBTI community has the potential to improve services and practices, reduce access barriers, and prevent inequalities.