LGBTQ elders and senior retirement communities.
More than 2.4 million people in the U.S identify themselves as part of the LGBTQ community, so Why do aging in the LGBT community? Ok… slow down
L: Lesbian
G: Gay
B: Bisexual
T: Transgender
Q: Queer
Community: mmm… Community
It is no surprise that one of the subjects that matter most to the LGBTQ community is the coming of old age.
New generations are raising their voices and the whole society is opening to a more inclusive world.
This demands for the governments and institutions to not turn a blind eye and to evolve accordingly.
The LGBTQ movement is growing wider and stronger. Thanks to this, more and more people are finding the courage to come out every day, and are less willing to remain silent about their sexual orientation and gender identity.
But sadly, it has not always been easy.
Social actors have worked hard, and sometimes it even has cost them their lives, to open safe spaces where all expressions are fully respected and listened to.
LGBT older people are twice as likely to be single and live alone and Four times less likely to have children
https://www.sageusa.org/
LGBTQ seniors may be affected by social conditions associated with being a minority, and growing old, lgbt aging issues are therefore more important.
Aging as an LGBTQ community member
Likewise, it is very common for LGBTQ people to feel anxious about reaching old age. Aging in the LGBT community has some unique challenges.
They might feel like they have no one to care for them, like they’re going to feel discriminated against, disrespected, or that they’ll have to hide.
These are just some scenarios they could have faced or could be facing daily:
- A lot of violence and unacceptance might come from the family members, so it is very likely for them to live away from their families.
- Statistically, LGBTQ people are less likely to have children than straight people, and more prone to be single or to live alone.
- At some point, they could have been rejected by their neighbors, their churches, or by any other community.
- They could have been fired or rejected from job interviews. Discriminated by landlords. Also, they’re statistically more likely to live in poverty and homelessness.
- How many transgender elders do you know? In the global north, the life expectancy for a transgender person can be as short as 30 years.
As stated in the Office on Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity office, baby boomer generation ages, the older adult population will increase from 12.8 percent to an estimated 19 percent in 2030.
Senior living communities
Because it is very likely for LGBTQ elders to have experienced discrimination throughout their lives, they must be able to age in a place where they feel safe, cared and understood. An empathetic and well-informed community.
There is a non-profit organization that focuses their efforts on the issue of LGBT ageing. Sage Advocacy and services for lgbt elders has fought over decades for their right to live with dignity and respect.
Affordable housing in a retirement living community can be a great option to age as an LGBTQ person.
Without having to worry about activities of daily living, active seniors can focus on maintaining great health and a vivid social life.
There are different levels of care according to the resident’s level of independence and autonomy.
For example, if dealing with any kind of dementia, Alzheimer or any other mental illness, a plan in memory care will be helpful.
Or if the resident doesn’t have any illness but would like to experience long-term care, assisted living can be a better option.
Community members might have specific needs and need skilled nursing care. It is very important for the staff to maintain a high layer of trust and confidentiality, to not be judgmental, and do not make any assumptions.
All residents must feel comfortable speaking truly.
Gender must be honored.
