Kapok Aging and Caregiver Resources: The Impacts of Discrimination on LGBTQ Seniors
This article is excerpted with permission from Kapok Aging and Caregiver Resources. You can listen to my conversation with Angelica here. – Mark/Editor
By Angelica Herrera Venson,DrPH, MPH
There are currently more than 9 million people in the United States that place themselves in the category of LGTBQ. That’s no small number.
Of these, 2.7 million are around the age of 50, and another 1.1 million are 65 years of age or older. It is expected that this number will double over the next three decades.
Many LGTBQ individuals have faced discrimination, in one form or another, throughout their lives. Older LGTBQ seniors come from a generation that isn’t known for inclusivity. Some may have hidden parts of their identity or preferences in an attempt to fit in with the world around them.
Older LGTBQ individuals continue to be underrepresented in the media and even Pride parades. They’ve faced many challenges throughout their lives, some of which may influence their physical and mental health.
You might identify as LGTBQ or may be the primary caregiver in a LGTBQ partnership. Or, you probably know someone who is. Understanding the challenges can help you to support loved ones better, while also giving you direction for any advocacy that you want to get involved in.
LGTBQ Seniors, Isolation, and Poverty
Isolation and poverty are both common challenges for seniors. Neither is surprising, as seniors have left their working lives behind them, along with many of the connections and financial benefits that come with being employed.
Those who have planned well and saved for retirement may continue to have good quality of life, but plenty of others don’t have the money they need. Seniors with serious health problems or the need for long-term care can find their finances stretched in other ways too.
Isolation doesn’t just come from the lack of work connections either. Decreased mobility is a factor too, making it more difficult for seniors to stay in touch regularly.
Being LGBTQ adds a whole new dimension to these circumstances.
- Seniors may feel isolated from their peers, especially when many of those around them are prejudiced.
- Many LGBTQ seniors were previously in heterosexual marriages in an attempt to deny their nature. Seniors who were in that position and broke away may now have rifts in their family, which limits their social support.
- While recognition and acceptance of LGBTQ members is rapidly increasing, LGBTQ seniors have spent most of their life without this type of acknowledgement. They don’t know how to take advantage of changes that are occurring, plus many will still carry the stress and fear that comes with needing to hide for so long. This affects their ability to trust other people, so it becomes more difficult to create and maintain friendships.
- Some LGBTQ seniors don’t have children, so may have less family support as they age.
- Similarly, some LGBTQ seniors may have been disowned by family members, including parents or even children.
- The clash between some religious perspectives and LGBTQ needs can make some seniors feel alienated from faith-based support.
- LGBTQ seniors may have experienced decades of social rejection, from friends, family, loved ones, religious communities, and the public. Such rejection takes its toll, making it harder for seniors to feel comfortable or to trust other people.