LGBT people come in all ages…and our community’s seniors are an important part of who we are, but services for them are often lacking.
Around 75% of LGBT seniors live alone, compared to 33% of their straight neighbors. Unlike heterosexual elders, 4 out of 5 of whom have children, 90% of LGBT seniors have no children. When 40% of straight seniors have no life partner, that figure jumps to 80% for LGBT. Add to that the fact that 50% of LGBT seniors do not feel welcome at senior centers when they are open about their sexuality, and it becomes easy to see why senior LGBT health outcomes are so negatively affected by isolation and loneliness.
Find a group for LGBT seniors in your area or a program that serves them and donate your time, money and/or support.
For more information on LGBTQ health issues visit Rainbow Access Initiative and choose from the menu options on the left side. In particular, the tap for “Aging Issues” may be eye-opening.
For more information on spititual health for LGBTQ visit CWAC’s website or click on the “email us” button and contact me
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