A recent study released by the University of Washington's School of Social Work is turning attention toward a group of seniors who face unique (and ignored) needs; a group whose numbers are expected to be more than 4 million by 2030--lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) boomers.
Researchers surveyed 2,560 LGBT adults aged 50-95 across the United States, to find that they had greater rates of disability, depression, loneliness and distress compared with heterosexuals of similar ages. Further highlighted by the study were the unique needs of this aging group, such as fear of discrimination, the lack of children to depend on as caregivers and less social support and financial security with age, as older LGBT adults are less likely to be partnered or married than heterosexuals.
Presenting some of the study's key findings during a congressional briefing last week, Karen Fredriksen-Goldsen, the study's lead author, told HealthCanal:
"The health disparities reflect the historical and social context of their lives, and the serious adversity they have encountered can jeopardize their health and willingness to seek services in old age."
Thus, Fredriksen-Goldsen calls for for senior housing, transportation, legal services and social events for LGBT seniors.
Full report in Huff Post
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