Lesbians, Gays and Bisexuals Face Harder Times in Old Age

Being ignored in health services and government policies are among the problems that lesbians, gays and bisexuals will face when they eventually become seniors, according to a study from the University of Washington’s School of Social Work.

Higher rates of aging and health disparities among these groups are major concerns for public health, but discrimination from others reduce their willingness to seek and avail services in old age that can jeopardize their health. Lack of children to support them at old age only compounds to the problem.

This finding stemmed from the survey of more than 2,500 lesbian, gay and bisexual adults aged 50-95 across the United States. Researchers noted that such seniors often have poorer mental, physical and cognitive health and they face greater risk of social isolation compared to other heterosexual seniors of similar ages.

Most people with homosexual and bisexual issues do not avail benefits other seniors had like housing, transportation, legal services, support groups and social events, according to researchers. The fear of being victimized and discriminated because of their sexual orientation keeps them from availing such services.

Researchers also found out that twenty-one percent of respondents did not tell their health providers their sexual orientation because of fear of receiving inferior care, or worse, being turned away. In regards to HIV testing, most decide to test anonymously, because of widespread discrimination. This lack of openness and acceptance inhibits discussions about sexual health, risks of certain diseases (like breast, prostate and anal cancers), HIV and STI’s.

On the sunny side, they were generally more resilient in living their lives. Researchers noted that more than 80 percent of them engage in healthy practices like regular exercise and meditation. More than a fourth of respondents report attending spiritual and religious services. Engaging in spiritual services is a good outlet of stress.

It is estimated that the numbers of gay, lesbian and bisexual seniors will number by more than 4 million by 2030.

 

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