Work

“I Should Not Have to Teach My Providers”: Identifying Challenges Associated with LGBTQ Aging

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Sexual and gender minority (SGM) individuals are living longer but facing increased barriers to access to care. To understand this discrepancy, we conducted a multi-phase needs assessment on the needs of LGBTQ older adults. Six hundred seventy-two individuals participated in the survey, which included six open-ended questions. Using thematic analysis, our findings point to critical challenges in healthcare access, including locating affirming and affordable providers, accessing social support, the availability of housing, and accessing legal services. Addressing these challenges requires gerontologists to engage in activities to remove barriers to care and generate innovative solutions to reduce health disparities.

Source: Journal of Gerontological Social Work

DOI: 10.1080/01634372.2025.2471442

Authors: M. Aaron Guest, Jane Hook, Beth Hunter

Institutions: Arizona State University, University of Kentucky

Language: English

Topic: LGBTQ Health, Identity, and Policy

Subfield: Social Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Reduced inequalities, Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

Funders: National Institutes of Health, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences