Lgbtq isolation

The Bottom Line

For many LGBT older adults, the holidays are a age of social isolation and vulnerability. LGBT older adults are less likely to be married or partnered, and are twice as likely to live alone, leaving them particularly vulnerable to social isolation.

MAP, along with partners at SAGE and the Diverse Elders Coalition, own released a modern infographic providing resources for LGBT elders as well as information about the challenges facing LGBT older adults.

The infographic is designed to help isolated or lonely LGBT older adults know that they are not alone and that there are resources available ranging from financial support to identifying inclusive and affirming housing to hotlines with judgement-free support. The infographic is translated into six different languages: English, Spanish, Tagalog, Vietnamese, Arabic and Chinese.

• Infographic: LGBT Seniors and Social Isolation (English)Download

• Infographic: LGBT Seniors and Social Isolation (Spanish)Download

• Infographic: LGBT Seniors and Social Isolation (Arabic)Download

• Infographic: LGBT Seniors and Social Isolation (Chinese)Download

• Infographic: LGBT Seniors an
  
  

   

  On May 3, 2024, the Office of the Surgeon General issued an advisory, sounding the alarm about the devastating impact of the loneliness and isolation epidemic in the Combined States. The report cited studies showing that impoverished social connection increased the risk of heart disease, stroke, and dementia among older adults by 29%, 32%, and 50% respectively. The risk for premature death is increased by 60% among persons lacking social connection. While loneliness and social isolation can affect anyone across their lifespan, older adults are particularly vulnerable due to a myriad of factors such as poor physical and mental health, lack of mobility, institutionalization, cognitive decline, loss of spouse and friends, economic constraints, caregiving responsibilities, and environmental factors. Lesbian, gay, multi-attracted , transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) older adults experience the same health risks as the general population, however, they also encounter an additional set of health risks primarily due to lingering social stigma and marginalization, which can further exacerbate loneliness and social isolation.

  LGBTQ+ older adults deal with greater risks for loneliness and social isolatio

  Mental health support if you're lesbian, gay, bisexual person or trans (LGBTQ+)

  Mental health problems such as depression or self-harm can affect any of us, but they're more shared among people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans (LGBTQ+).

  This may be linked to LGBTQ+ people's experience of discrimination, homophobia or transphobia, bullying, social isolation, or rejection because of their sexuality.

  Other things, such as their age, religion, where they stay, and their ethnicity can insert extra complications to an already difficult situation.

  How talking therapy can help

  It might not be easy, but getting help with issues you're struggling to deal with on your own is one of the most important things you can do.

  Talking with a therapist who's trained to function with LGBTQ+ people may help with issues such as:

  • difficulty accepting your sexual orientation
  • coping with other people's reactions to your sexuality
  • feeling your body does not reflect your true gender (gender dysphoria)
  • transitioning
  • low self-esteem
  • self-harm
  • suicidal thoughts
  • depression
  • coping with bullying and discrimination
  • anger, isolation or rejection from family, friends or your community
  • fear of v

    Isolation may be the next major crisis the Homosexual community faces. As Gay rights and acceptance possess expanded over the past several decades, many Queer Americans have counterintuitively grow increasingly lonely. Amongst Queer seniors, for example, it is more common than not to feel isolated (Fredriksen-Goldsen et al., 2011).

    Isolated person.

    Source: Photo by Jeswin Thomas from Pexels

    Causes of LGBTQ+ Isolation

    LGBTQ+ neighborhoods are dispersing, and homosexual bars and clubs are closing at a tape pace. Between 2007 and 2019, gay bar listings have decreased by 36.6% and lesbian bar listings have decreased by 51.6% (Mattson, 2019). In reality, as of this writing, there are only 15 lesbian bars left in America. Other factors contributing to LGBTQ+ isolation include:

    • Lower rates of marriage, largely due to the previous lack of marriage equality

    • Loss of community during the AIDS epidemic
    • Rejection from family and friends
    • Discrimination, harassment, and force that keep people “in the closet”
    • Unemployment and minor income

    Negative Impact of Isolation

    This is generate for serious concern because isolation is harmful. Studies have found that isolation can cause bot
    
    

    Remaining social is an important aspect of healthy aging. An active social being provides a meaning of belonging, connects you to the world around you, and benefits your health in a variety of ways.

    One study states that older adults 60 and older consistently rank relationships with family and friends second only to health as the most important issue in life.  And yet, older adults are at a significant risk for social isolation. It is estimated that 12% of those aged 60 and older report feeling isolated.

    This is especially true of certain groups of older adults, particularly those who identify as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual person, Transgender, and Gender non-conforming or Questioning (LGBTQ+).

    According to AARP, Diverse adults age 50-95 are at greater risk of social isolation. This may be due to a number of factors, including:

    • LGBTQ+ older adults are more likely to survive alone than heterosexuals. According to Services and Advocacy for Gay, Lesbian, Bi-Sexual & Transgender Elders (SAGE), older Diverse people are four times less likely to have children, a key assist network for older adults.
    • LGBTQ+ older adults struggle with financial insecurity at a greater degree than others. Living alone can lead to