Seniors

A special issue of LGBT Health includes the latest research, clinical practice innovations, and policy aimed at addressing disparities and enhancing healthcare for older LGBT populations. A collection of informative and insightful articles that contribute to the understanding of factors that affect the health of older gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender Americans is published in LGBT Health, a peer-reviewed journal from Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers. The special issue is available free on the LGBT Health website.

Guest Editors Judith B. Bradford, PhD and Sean R. Cahill, PhD coordinated this special issue of LGBT Health. Included is an article entitled “Health Indicators for Older Sexual Minorities: National Health Interview Survey, 2013–2014,” in which Christina Dragon, MSPH, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (Baltimore, MD) and coauthors from NORC at the University of Chicago (Bethesda, MD), KPMG (McLean, VA), and The Fenway Institute (Boston, MA) explored differences between older sexual minorities and heterosexuals across multiple health indicators. The researchers found better outcomes or health-related behaviors among sexual minorities for some of the indicators, but sexual minorities were more than twice as likely to report binge drinking compared with their heterosexual peers.

Stuart Michaels, PhD, NORC at the University of Chicago, IL and colleagues from NORC and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services coauthored the article entitled “Improving Measures of Sexual and Gender Identity in English and Spanish to Identify LGBT Older Adults in Surveys.” They demonstrated that efforts to identify LGBT older adults may be hindered by language-related obstacles among non-LGBT Spanish speakers who might have difficulty understanding terms used to designate sexual identities.

In the article “Transgender Medicare Beneficiaries and Chronic Conditions: Exploring Fee-for-Service Claims Data,” a team of authors from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and NORC at the University of Chicago (Bethesda, MD), led by Christina Dragon, MSPH, report on differences in the chronic conditions burden between transgender and cisgender Medicare beneficiaries. Overall, transgender beneficiaries were found to have a greater burden of chronic conditions, and higher rates of asthma, autism spectrum disorder, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, depression, hepatitis, HIV, schizophrenia, and substance use disorders compared with cisgender beneficiaries. Transgender Medicare beneficiaries also had higher observed rates of potentially disabling mental health and neurological/chronic pain conditions.

“This special issue of LGBT Health highlights innovations in research, practice, and policy to improve healthcare and services for LGBT older adults. The articles in the issue contribute to our understanding of health disparities and resiliencies in these populations, and suggest ways to improve care and integrate support services to ensure healthy aging,” says Guest Editor Sean Cahill, The Fenway Institute. “The timing of this special issue is important, as the federal government is rolling back sexual orientation and gender identity nondiscrimination regulations and data collection. The special issue is dedicated to Judy Bradford, a leader in LGBT aging and LGBT health research, and to her vision of LGBT health and equality.”

SeniorAdvice.com, one of the nation’s top senior housing referral services, has released an article on the best fifteen thriving senior living communities for LGBT seniors. The company recognizes that the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) senior community is currently a very important part of the American population, and that the struggle for resources and housing can sometimes be difficult.

According to the American Psychological Association, “more than 39 million people in the U.S. are age 65 years or older including 2.4 million people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender (LGBT). It is estimated that as the baby boomer generation ages, the older adult population will increase from 12.8 percent to an estimated 19 percent in 2030.”* Although the LGBT community is growing steadily, the options for LGBT senior housing are not as flourishing. There are a handful of these communities across the country though, and SeniorAdvice.com has put together a list of the most welcoming.

The top fifteen LGBT-friendly senior housing communities in America are:

1. The Palms of Manasota in Palmetto, Florida
2. The Resort on Carefree Boulevard in Fort Myers, FL
3. Stonewall Gardens in Palm Springs, California
4. Fountaingrove Lodge in Santa Rosa, CA
5. Triangle Square in Hollywood, CA
6. Rainbow Vista in Gresham, Oregon
7. Discovery Bay Resort in Washington State
8. The Residences at Seashore Point in Provincetown, MA
9. Birds of a Feather in Pecos, NM
10. A Place for Us in Cleveland, OH
11. Carefree Cove in Boone, North Carolina
12. John C. Anderson Apartments in Philadelphia, PA
13. The Pueblo in Apache Junction, Arizona
14. Spirit on Lake in Minneapolis, MN
15. Townhall Apartments in Chicago, Illinois

There is generally less acceptance of the LGBT community among older generations, which can make it very difficult to find a supportive community within the senior demographic. It is estimated that “48 percent of LGBT older couples face discrimination” according to a 2014 investigation by the nonprofit Equal Rights Center.** In addition to discrimination issues, this community can sometimes encounter financial difficulties as well. These seniors can experience discrimination in the workplace, which can make it hard to afford senior housing and save for retirement. SeniorAdvice.com recognizes these challenges and aims to be a strong resource for LGBT seniors.

Ryan Patterson, SeniorAdvice.com CEO and Founder states, “SeniorAdvice.com will continue to be dedicated and focus on the challenges and needs of seniors of all backgrounds. The LGBTQ senior community faces additional challenges that other seniors do not have to deal with, and we like to provide resources aimed at this group to help make transitioning to senior housing easier for all involved.”

SeniorAdvice.com has previously released articles on the “Americas Best Cities for Gay Friendly Retirement,” “LGBT Assisted Living Communities – Finding a Gay-Friendly Facility,” and “The Struggles and Triumphs of Transgender Seniors.”

To view the full article on the “Top 15 LGBT-Friendly Senior Living Communities in the U.S.” click here.

SeniorAdvice.com, one of the nation’s top senior housing referral services, has released an article on the challenges and progress of the aging transgender community.  The company recognizes that the LGBT senior community is a very important part of the American population, and that the struggle for acceptance and safety among the transgender community has finally reached the national conversation.

There is generally less acceptance of the trans community among older generations, which can make it very difficult to find a supportive community within the senior demographic. According to a recent study by the Williams Institute at the UCLA Law School, 14% of those identifying as transgender are over the age of 65.  The senior transgender community often faces many difficulties.  SeniorAdvice.com has identified three of these challenges and has researched ways to combat these issues, including current public and private efforts to improve upon the lives of transgender seniors.

The three challenges of transgender seniors explored by SeniorAdvice.com are:

1) Isolation and a Negative Social Stigma

In addition to the rampant discrimination, loneliness, and violence that all transgender people often encounter, older individuals in this community can face particular challenges in dealing with long-standing familial roles. There can be difficulties when families and friends have to consider modifying deeply established roles and there may be a period of adjustment for all involved.  There is also a lack of availability of social groups for seniors, particularly outside of large metropolitan areas, and this can worsen the isolation.

2) Senior Housing Issues

There is a serious lack of availability in LGBT-friendly senior housing and the problem is most severe for those who are transgender.  Because there are no legal protections at the national level for transgender people, those seeking nursing home or assisted living care often face discrimination and lack of acceptable living conditions.

3) Health Concerns

Transgender people of all ages frequently lack access to properly-trained healthcare providers who understand their unique medical and psychological challenges.  Many within the community even report facing harassment, ridicule, and rough treatment by medical professionals, or are refused treatment altogether.  Individuals who are older often face additional complications due to requirements for longer-term and sometimes more intense hormone therapy that require a closer level of attention from their healthcare providers.

To further investigate these challenges, SeniorAdvice.com conducted an in-depth interview with a retired transgender woman.  Cynthia, whose name was changed to protect her identity, is a parent, a decorated military veteran, and a Purple Heart recipient.  She recently began her transition and is the happiest she’s ever been, though she has faced many obstacles along her journey.

“SeniorAdvice.com continues to be dedicated to the challenges and needs of elder people of all backgrounds.  The transgender senior community is a particularly vulnerable group and has been largely ignored for far too long.  It’s time to bring their story into the public conversation,” says Ryan Patterson, SeniorAdvice.com CEO and Founder.

To view the full article on “Transitioning After Retirement: The Struggles and Triumphs of Transgender Seniors” visit https://www.senioradvice.com/articles/the-struggles-and-triumphs-of-transgender-seniors.

 Older adults and their families are invited to register for a day of free activities at Spring Lake Regional Park and Spring Lake Village on Thursday, May 18, 9 a.m.–2:30 p.m. Hosted by the Aging Together Sonoma County community initiative, Age Out Loud, Age Outside celebrates both the vitality of local seniors during Older Americans Month in May and the 50th Anniversary of Sonoma County Regional Parks.

Register now for free to enjoy speakers, lunch, music, outdoor walks and games, and to learn about the countywide initiative, Age-Friendly Sonoma County. Register online at sonomacountyparks.ticketleap.com/age-out-loud-age-outside/. Space is limited and pre-registration is required.

“In recognition of Older Americans Month, this event celebrates a growing segment of our community, the 25% of residents age 60 or older,” says Board of Supervisors Chair Shirlee Zane. “To increase awareness and support for the opportunities and challenges this population faces, the Board designated 2017 the Year of the Senior. With Aging Together, the Board’s goal is to promote Sonoma County as a healthy place to live, work and play for residents of all ages.”

 The morning’s featured speaker is former U.S. Ambassador to Afghanistan and local senior outdoorsman and birder Ted Eliot, interviewed at Spring Lake Village by Sonoma County Regional Parks Director Caryl Hart.

“Sonoma County Regional Parks connect older adults to nature and the community through our outstanding trails, facilities and programs,” says Hart. “It is an honor to be alongside Ted Eliot as he shares his story about the incredible benefits nature and the outdoors has brought to his life. He is an amazing human being, and we can all learn from his example.”

Registration includes activities, free parking at Spring Lake Regional Park Boat Ramp Parking Lot, with transportation between the Park and the talk at Spring Lake Village. No parking at Spring Lake Village allowed. For more information, call (707) 565-5804.

Aging Together Sonoma County strives to make our county as a healthy place to live, work and play by helping residents thrive throughout their lifespans. The initiative’s 2017 priorities are: 1) Support the 2016-2020, Age-Friendly Sonoma County effort led by older adult volunteers, 2) Promote the 2017 Year of the Senior community campaign with the Sonoma County Economic Development Board, and 3) Sponsor and host educational activities about issues of importance to older adults.

Sonoma County Regional Parks promotes healthy communities by connecting people to the outdoors through recreational and educational programs that enhance the quality of life and well-being of Sonoma County residents and visitors. The Regional Park system preserves natural and cultural resources in more than 50 parks, trails and beaches, from Petaluma to Gualala and the town of Sonoma to Bodega Bay.

In a first-of-its-kind study, researchers from the University of Washington’s School of Social Work have released new findings this month on the health and aging of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender older adults in the U.S.

Approximately 2.7 million adults age 50 and older self-identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender. This number is expected to increase to more than five million by 2060, yet this population is critically understudied.

UW researchers have been working to change that through the first longitudinal study of LGBT older adults, called Aging with Pride: National Health, Aging, Sexuality/Gender Study. New findings from the longitudinal study, published in a 2017 supplement of The Gerontologist, will increase understanding of the challenges, strengths and needs of this growing yet underserved population.

The new results show that LGBT older adults are both resilient and at-risk, with higher rates of disability, cardiovascular disease, depression and social isolation. The findings also document how key life events ― including coming out, work and relationships ― are associated with health and quality of life. Articles examined factors such as race/ethnicity, partnership status, resiliency among HIV-positive gay and bisexual men, and transgender older adults with prior military service. The role of social networks, mental health, high-risk alcohol consumption and health care engagement were also studied.

“It’s important to understand the health and well-being of LGBT older adults so we can take steps to reduce health disparities,” said principal investigator Karen Fredriksen-Goldsen, professor and director of the UW’s Healthy Generations Hartford Center of Excellence.

“This research highlights pathways to better understand health for all marginalized communities.”

The team surveyed 2,450 adults aged 50 to 100, studying the impact of historical, environmental, psychological, social, behavioral and biological factors on LGBT adult health and well-being. The 10 articles that make up the supplement focuses on three themes: influence of life events; diversity and subgroup differences; and processes and mechanisms underlying health and quality of life.

“The insights gleaned from this study of aging among LGBT older adults can deepen our understanding of the richness, diversity and resilience of lives across the life course,” Fredriksen-Goldsen said. “As we move forward in aging-related research, services and policies, it’s important to understand that these communities are diverse, and that unique groups face distinct challenges to their health.”

Funded by the National Institute on Aging, the research will help develop community-based interventions to improve the health and well-being of at-risk LGBT older adults.