Social and Structural Factors Exacerbating Marginalization and Invisibility of Elderly LGBTQ Populations
The elderly lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning (LGBTQ) population faces unique challenges that exacerbate their marginalization and invisibility within society. These include discrimination based on age, sexual orientation, and gender identity; social isolation due to lack of family support and acceptance; limited access to healthcare and long-term care services; and economic insecurity caused by retirement or reduced earning potential. This paper will examine these factors in detail, exploring how they contribute to the vulnerability of elderly LGBTQ individuals and what can be done to mitigate them.
Ageism is a pervasive form of prejudice against older people that manifests itself in various ways, including discrimination in employment, housing, and public policies. It also contributes to a sense of worthlessness among seniors who may feel invisible or unwanted in an increasingly youth-oriented culture. As a result, many older adults experience loneliness and depression as they struggle with feelings of irrelevance and disconnection from society. For LGBTQ elders, this can be particularly difficult because they often face additional barriers such as discrimination based on their sexuality or gender identity. According to a study published in The Gerontologist, "As society continues to become more accepting of sexual minorities, it has not been as receptive to those aging into later life."
Social Isolation and Lack of Family Support
Many LGBTQ individuals do not have families or other close personal ties due to stigma surrounding their sexual orientation or gender identity. This leaves them isolated and without a safety net when they need it most. According to a survey conducted by Services & Advocacy for GLBT Elders (SAGE), 64% of LGBTQ elders live alone, compared to only 17% of non-LGBTQ seniors. This isolation can lead to social withdrawal, physical deterioration, and mental health problems like anxiety and depression.
Lack of family support can make it difficult for elderly LGBTQ individuals to access long-term care services or find reliable help with daily activities.
Healthcare and Long-Term Care
Elderly LGBTQ individuals often face significant barriers to accessing quality healthcare and long-term care services. Studies have shown that they are less likely than their heterosexual counterparts to have access to primary care providers who are knowledgeable about LGBTQ issues, which can result in delayed diagnoses and substandard treatment. They also may experience discrimination from service providers who refuse to provide care because of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
Many LGBTQ elders do not have the same level of familial support that heterosexuals take for granted, making it more challenging to navigate complex medical systems and advocate for themselves.
Financial Insecurity
Retirement income and reduced earning potential are common concerns among all older adults, but these factors can be particularly problematic for LGBTQ individuals who may have faced discrimination throughout their lives. A study published in The Gerontologist found that nearly half of gay men over 50 reported experiencing job loss due to their sexuality at some point during their working years. As a result, they may struggle financially even more than their heterosexual peers when they retire or lose their ability to work. This financial instability can lead to increased stress and poorer health outcomes, exacerbating existing disparities between LGBTQ and non-LGBTQ seniors.
Addressing Social and Structural Factors
To address the marginalization and invisibility of elderly LGBTQ populations, we must take a comprehensive approach that addresses social, economic, and institutional barriers. This includes increasing awareness and education about LGBTQ issues within society, improving access to quality healthcare and long-term care services, providing affordable housing options for aging LGBTQ individuals, and promoting policies that protect their rights and well-being. It also means creating safe spaces where LGBTQ elders can connect with others and receive support from family members and friends. By doing so, we can create a more inclusive and equitable world for everyone, regardless of age, gender identity, or sexual orientation.
The unique challenges facing elderly LGBTQ populations require us to rethink our assumptions about aging and provide targeted support to this vulnerable population. We must address social isolation, lack of family support, healthcare and long-term care disparities, and financial insecurity to ensure that all seniors have access to the resources and services they need to live fulfilling lives. By taking action now, we can help to ensure that future generations of older adults experience greater acceptance and inclusion within society.
What social and structural factors exacerbate the marginalization and invisibility of elderly LGBTQ populations?
There are several social and structural factors that contribute to the marginalization and invisibility of elderly LGBTQ individuals. One factor is discrimination based on ageism and homophobia, which can lead to isolation, fear, and poor physical and mental health outcomes for older adults who identify as LGBTQ (Fredriksen-Goldsen et al. , 2016).