Introduction LGBTQ elders, regardless of their sexual orientation, face a number of unique health related challenges as they age. Amongst those challenges are increased isolation, stigma, and loss of cognitive functioning (Hoy-Ellis, Ator, Kerr & Milford, 2016). In this essay I have chosen to write on this topic and conducted a literature search on EBSCOhost using the search terms ‘LGBTQ’ and ‘aging.’ The following is based on the article, “Innovative approaches addressing aging and mental health needs in LGBTQ communities” (Hoy-Ellis, Ator, Kerr & Milford, 2016). Summary of Findings
As individuals, we all face some of the same health issues, but according to (Fredriksen- Goldsen, 2016 ), LGBT communities have some unique needs that
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56, 2016). although some discrimination isn't blatantly like before towards the , LGBTQ elders still experience hurdles for much needed mental health services. some agencies in an effort to be more inclusive, actually, unknowingly put up barriers to the LGBTQ lders. they often don't have children, and are more appt to isolation , thus bringing in depression. they need special outreach to help them feel like they truly belong to the community (Hoy-Ellis, Ator, Kerr & Milford, 2016).
Implications for Practice. One of the few things that need to change is a health promotion program, and the impact of the delivery of healthcare programs and policies as stated by (The Coalition for Senior housing, 2007) Annual check ups and treatments should be based on present anatomy. Having regular check-ups for sexually transmitted diseases, an annual Pap smear regardless of sexual activity, regular testicular examination for adolescent and adult men, and having health provider’s aware of these risk factors that LGBTQ face. social workers can better assist the individual in identifying social support systems and/or addressing depression later in life. “In an effort to increase wellness in the GLBT communities, community organizations, community clinics, and advocates have worked to incorporate cultural competency training , and increase awareness and understanding about the GLBT individuals
Health disparities in the Lesbian, Gay, Bi-sexual and Transgender community that lack fair treatment. This population deals with many adversities due to their sexual orientation and gender identity. LGBT’s community consists of a diverse population of people who come from all walks of life ((Howard, 2016). Many LBGT’s will delay or not seek health care due to stigma and lack of fair treatment. In other words, they believe that they are discriminated against.
It is also worth noting that research into the mental health of the LGBT community is lacking (then and now) and that discrimination is legal in many cases (Luckstead 3). Some of the ways that discrimination is legal would be the banning of marriage rights in some states, the absence of sexuality and sexual expression in the working on discrimination clauses around the nation, the ability for a person to be fires or evicted simply because they are LGBT. All of these things can cause stress in the life of members of the LGBT community and in te cause of stress you find causes and additives to mental distress and illness. One could surmise that with the turning tide on the issue of gay rights in the US that the mental health risk here is not work looking into. This would be incorrect and the suicides of LGBT youth in the past couple years confirms this.
Delay of seeing a healthcare provider on the basis of fear increases the development of severe illnesses in older LGBT populations. It exacerbates healthcare costs, can put a strain on mental health, and overall decreases wellbeing (Fredriksen-Goldsen & Kim, 2014). Although there is not a calculated cost to be found within the older LGBT community, the delaying of necessary preventative tests, medical treatment, or mental health can worsen current symptoms. This can increase emergency room visits, an already expensive system, thus increasing healthcare costs (Meyer, 2011). In addition to declining physical wellbeing, these adults lack social support systems as they are “twice as likely to live alone, and more than four times as likely to have no children, as compared to heterosexual adults (Gendron et
Relocating into a senior care facilities can be a frightening experience for the aging population. Getting familiar with new surroundings, new organization structure, and new people that can cause anxiety to rise. For a Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer individual, this experience can be traumatic. The fear of harassment, hostility, and neglect by healthcare providers and caretakers can keep LGBTQ people from seeking care until their health begins to critically decline. LGBTQ cultural competency training is highly recommended for healthcare professionals and social service organizations. The greatest barrier that prevents quality health care for LGBTQ people is the lack of competence among the healthcare professionals.
In addition to the economic vulnerability of older adults, being a part of the LGBT community makes dealing with disparities connected to aging even more difficult because many LGBT elderly experience increased isolation due to a lifetime of stigma. Karen I. Fredriksen-Goldsen a Ph.D. professor and the director of Healthy Generations cited a study called Caring and Aging with Pride. In this study 2,560 demographically diverse LGBT older adults across the nation mention similar concerns related to Isolation, finding friend support, caregiving and health. Fredriksen-Goldsen mentions how LGBT older adults are
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) falls within societal minority groups such as low income, people of color, and disables (AHRQ, 2011). Due to their gender identity, discrimination, violence, and even denial of human rights and healthcare services is a common challenge among LGBT population. LGBT still faces many health disparities primarily related to the historic bias of healthcare professionals anti-LGBT manners even though society acceptance has been favorable. According to Ard and Makadon (n.d), “until 1973, homosexuality was listed as a disorder…, and transgender still is.” This stigma prevents healthcare professionals to openly ask questions in a non-judgmental manner related to sexual identity. On the other hand, if the patient senses that the healthcare environment is discriminating they may be reluctant to disclose important information as their sexual orientation; thus, missing important opportunities of been educated about safety and health care risks.
The difficulties and inequities listed above contribute to the overall health and wellness of LGBTQ people. They experience additional stress due to discrimination and bullying in their schools and jobs which lead to a greater risk of depression and anxiety which leads to suicide and self-harm. LGBTQ teens face isolation and depression because they are navigating their sexuality without any support (Subhrajit).
Lack of culturally competent (CC) healthcare within lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) communities, poses a severe threat to the health of LGBT individuals, due to the increase in negative health outcomes. These negative outcomes consist of an increased rate of depression, suicide, anxiety, smoking, alcohol use, and sexually transmitted infections (Garbers, Heck, Gold, Santelli, & Bersamin, 2017; Mayer, Bradford, Makadon, Stall, Goldhammer, & Landers, 2008). The lack of cultural knowledge is detrimental to the individual, with cases linked to improper diagnosis,
For years the LGBTQA community has been fighting for equality in the social, political, and health spheres and the fight continues today. Johnson argues that due to homophobia being considered a “disease-causing
Sexual and social stigmas largely affect the health of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) population. While many reports from the Institute of Medicine, Healthy People 2020 and the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality recognize a need to improve the quality of health care, barriers still remain. LGBT patients face legal discrimination, especially with insurance, a lack of social programs, and limited access to providers competent in LGBT health care. Although the Affordable Care Act increased access to care for LGBT patients, unless these patients feel understood by providers and develop trust in the system, they are not likely to utilize care. Healthcare providers need to recognize how these vulnerabilities, as well as persistent racism and stigma linked to sexual orientation and gender identity, make the healthcare needs of LGBT patients more challenging than the general population. Healthcare providers also need to promote cultural competence within this population and broaden their clinical lens to include health promotion, in addition to addressing concerns mentioned above within the population. Additionally, medical and nursing schools need to ensure that future providers are adequately educated by including information about this population in the curriculum.
Today, falling birth rates and advances in medicine have made adults 65 years and older, one of the fastest growing populations in the United States. According to a report by the National LGBTQ Task Force, “nearly 37.9 million Americans are 65 or older, representing 12.6% of the population, or one in eight Americans” (Grant, Koskovich, Frazer, & Bjerk, 2010, p. 19). Notably, the aging population is faced with struggles that include limited mobility, physical, and mental health problems, as well as a rising need for long-term care, like home nursing, assisted living, and hospital stays. The growth in the aging population also means that it has become more diverse. Furthermore, it is estimated that “between now and the height of the aging boom, there will be approximately nearly 2 million to as many as 7 million LGBT elders in the United States” (Grant et al., 2010, p. 28). Across one’s lifespan, several socioeconomic factors impact one’s ability to access resources later in life. The LGBT population in the United States is distinct in the fact that it faces discrimination as a sexual minority, as well as discrimination as a result of ageism. As a result, the LGBT population may have social service needs that differ from that of the heterosexual population. In fact, studies are beginning to suggest that older LGBT people may face a unique set of needs and challenges as
Although more research is needed to understand fully the needs of LGBT elders, studies suggest the aging LGBT population remains underserved and underrepresented. Thus, unlike their heterosexual counterparts, they face numerous privations and disparities, which can result in consequential psychosocial effects on LGBT older adults.
According to the American Society on Aging, the LGBT Aging Issues Network (LAIN) works to raise awareness about the concerns of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) elders and about the unique barriers they encounter in gaining access to housing, healthcare, long-term care and other needed services. LAIN seeks to foster professional development, multidisciplinary research and wide-ranging dialogue on LGBT issues in the field of aging through publications, conferences, and cosponsored events. LAIN welcomes the participation of all concerned individuals regardless of age, sexual orientation or gender identity.
The article states, “obviously it is difficult to gather accurate data on a population that is still somewhat hidden and stigmatized.” More education and research are needed concerning the LGBT community because it will most certainly eliminate the improper use of language, referring to an individual or a group within the community. Research is vital because Psychologists, mental health facilities, and aging services in treating older adults should be cognizant of LGBT elder adults’ presence and their unique needs should be integrated into systems of care. The article states, “The primary barrier for research is the invisibility of the population of LGBT elders. Those who make contact with service agencies or social programs are not representative of the total population.” New implications and programs should be necessary and welcoming within communities who are both older and identify as LGBT. Therefore, research will help us gain a better understanding of the LBGT community. The article states, “the diversity within the LBGT population, especially as the baby Boomer generation matures into late life, is important to study.” Not only is it necessary to examine the differences and similarities between transgender, lesbian, gay, and bisexual men and women, but also pay attention to cohort effects as well as historical periods effects and their regional
The first article discusses the overall Health of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender people; and Building a Foundation for a better understanding. In this article you will find accompanying research on the generally health status of the LGBT community. A condition in order to review existing research on sexual-gender-minority health, this article presents research encounters accompanying with this particular study of LGBT populations. When research method along with data sources that would be used in the studding of these populaces and to determine the best overall