Caring and Aging with Pride, the first national federally-funded project to examine LGBT aging and health, recently released a report of its findings.  The study included a national community-based survey of over 2,500 LGBT older adults from diverse walks of life.  This research provides a “historic new window into the health and lives of LGBT elders in America.”

The report is comprehensive and examines several areas of older people’s lives, including: Physical health, mental health, healthcare access, health behaviors, services/programs, HIV disease, and caregiving.  From their intensive research this group of recognized scholars conclude that LGBT older adults are a “resilient yet at risk population.”

Some key findings illustrate the complex reality of LGBT aging in America.  In the 88-page report a few statistics were particularly disturbing to me.  Respondents reported high rates of loneliness, disability and depression, and fewer social supports than found in the general, non-LGBT aging population.  Most had been victimized at some point in their lives, and many had been victimized multiple times, because of their perceived sexual orientation or gender identity.  The participants reported significant barriers to accessing health care, including discrimination, receiving inferior care, and inadequate care from providers who they can not “come out” to or who are insensitive to LGBT issues.

Yet, there were findings in the report that point out the strengths of LGBT older adults.  Many were involved in their communities and engaged in wellness, as well as physical activities.  They were contributing members of their communities and have distinct networks of support consisting of peers, partners and friends.  And, a large majority feel positive about belonging to the LGBT community.

The report concludes with a strong call to action that addresses steps we can all take in the areas of  policy, services, education, and research.

I am excited and encouraged by the breadth and quality of this research.  This project represents a significant step in addressing the needs of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender older adults.  The findings will help researchers, policy makers and service providers, like myself, do our jobs more effectively.

I encourage you to go to the Caring and Aging with Pride website to read the full report or to view the brief Executive Summary.