Gender identity is an intricate aspect of human life that shapes how individuals view themselves and interact with others in society. It is influenced by various factors such as biological sex, gender roles, social norms, cultural values, and personal experiences. As people age, they may experience changes in their physical appearance, health status, cognitive abilities, and overall sense of self, which can impact their gender identity. This phenomenon has been studied under the umbrella of gerontology and queer studies to better understand late-life embodiment, desire, and identity transformation.
Understanding Late-Life Embodiment
Late-life embodiment refers to the way older adults perceive and experience their bodies, including the physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects. Research suggests that ageing can lead to physical changes such as weight gain, muscle loss, and reduced sensory perception that affect sexual functioning, intimacy, and body image. These changes can result in feelings of discomfort, shame, or embarrassment about one's body, leading to social isolation and decreased quality of life.
Researchers have also noted that some older adults embrace their aging bodies and find new ways to express their identities through non-traditional forms of embodiment, such as tattoos or piercings.
Queering Ageing
Queer studies explore the intersectionality of sexuality, gender identity, and power relations, challenging traditional binaries and hierarchies that dominate mainstream discourse on ageing and sexuality. Queer theory recognizes that individuals are not limited to a binary of male/female or heterosexual/homosexual but exist within a spectrum of identities, desires, and relationships. As people grow older, they may redefine themselves and explore alternative identities beyond conventional norms, leading to transformations in their gender expression and sexuality. This perspective highlights the fluidity and complexity of human identity throughout the lifespan.
Integrating Gerontology and Queer Studies
Gerontologists and queer scholars recognize that late-life embodiment and identity transformation cannot be understood without considering each other.
An individual who experiences a decline in physical mobility due to age-related health conditions may feel more self-conscious about their body and less inclined to engage in sexual activity. On the other hand, someone with a chronic illness may experience changes in their sexual desire or intimacy needs, requiring adaptations in their relationship dynamics. By integrating these two fields, researchers can better understand how gender identity intersects with other aspects of ageing and create inclusive policies and practices to support older adults' wellbeing.
Research Frameworks
To integrate gerontology and queer studies, research frameworks must consider the interconnectedness of biological, social, and psychological factors influencing gender identity. This requires collecting data from diverse populations, including LGBTQ+ individuals and those living with disabilities or chronic illnesses. Researchers can also use qualitative methods such as interviews, focus groups, and participant observation to capture nuances of identity transformation and cultural context.
Quantitative approaches such as surveys and experiments can measure the impact of aging on sexual functioning, desire, and satisfaction across different identities.
What research frameworks integrating gerontology and queer studies can better account for late‑life embodiment, desire and identity transformation?
The integration of gerontology and queer studies through theoretical frameworks offers an opportunity to understand how older LGBTQ people experience embodiment, desire and identity transformation. According to some theories, such as the conceptual framework developed by Karen Barber (2013), older adults have distinct life experiences that are impacted by their gender identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, social class, ethnicity, race, age, and geographic location.