This document discusses issues facing LGBT seniors. It notes that approximately 3.5% of U.S. adults identify as LGBT, with at least 1.5 million being over age 65. However, many LGBT elders avoid medical care due to fears of discrimination. As a result, LGBT seniors often receive inadequate care and have worse health outcomes than non-LGBT seniors. The document calls for policy changes like mandatory LGBT cultural competency training for all medical professionals, in order to improve healthcare access and quality for the aging LGBT population.

1. LGBT and Aging
Presenter: Shelley Ware, MSW Student, Springfield College School of Social Work
Statistics
 Approx. 3.5% of adults in the
U.S. identify as lesbian, gay or
bisexual and 0.3% of adults
identify as transgender.
 This equates to nearly nine
million people
 At least 1.5 million of them
are over the age of 65!
 since January 1, 2011, approx.
10,000 “Baby Boomers” (born
1946 - 1964) have been
turning 65 every single day
 Many LGBT elders are not
seeking medical care or
hands-on care out of fear of
discrimination and abuse.
 LGBT elders are more likely to
age alone
LGBT Baby Boomers, also referred to as “Stonewall Seniors,” who fought for gay
rights and equality during the Stonewall Riots in 1969, are being considered the
first “out” generation in LGBT history
Alarming Trends
 LGBT individuals are identified as an at-
risk population with regards to not
having access to quality healthcare
 LGBT seniors are often dying younger
due lack of support and proper care
 One study showed that some
Transgender individuals are
contemplating suicide before
becoming dependent for care
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 LGBT individuals are at a higher risk for
violent hate crimes, sexually
transmitted diseases and mental
health issues
 Due to past discrimination and
insensitivity from service agencies,
LGBT elders are reluctant to disclose
their sexual orientation/gender
identity or access services altogether
from non-LGBT agencies
 Average # of LGBT training hours for
150 medical schools across the country
= FIVE!
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 Lack of proper medical training and
empathy leads to health care
avoidance behaviors in LGBT seniors,
which can lead to health complications
and premature death
 Religious struggle and loss of one’s
religious identity can cause feelings of
depression and suicidal ideation
 LGBT people are more at risk to have
substance abuse issues than non-LGBT
The goal of this project was to assess the health care inequalities facing LGBT senior
citizens, many of whom are afraid to seek medical care out of fear of discrimination. As
a result, many are going back into the closet as they become older and frailer. This
study sought to further explore this trend and to bring awareness to this social crisis
Implications and
Conclusion
The findings of this study were
consistent with previous studies
conducted over the last five years.
Through interviews, observation and
literature review, it was determined
that there is, in fact, significant health
care disparities among LGBT elders.
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Policy changes are needed to create
mandatory annual trainings for all
medical personnel, including doctors,
nursing, health aides, rehab staff and
social workers.
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We need to earn the trust of LGBT
senior citizens so that we can provide
them with culturally competent quality
care without fear of discrimination.
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Promoting Aging Without Closets