Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual & Transgender Aging: Challenges in Research, Practice and Policy

Citation

Dominique Brady (2016), "Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual & Transgender Aging: Challenges in Research, Practice and Policy", Quality in Ageing and Older Adults, Vol. 17 No. 1, pp. 77-78. https://doi.org/10.1108/QAOA-01-2016-0007

This edited collection proves a valuable review of the existing research about gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and intersex ageing. Witten (a gerontologist and social worker) and Evan Eyler (a psychiatrist), have edited contributions from experts in ageing from interdisciplinary professions including medicine, social work, gerontology and psychology. Designed for health and social care professionals, this anthology examines the limited research available and highlights gaps where more is needed to improve ageing outcomes for older LGBTI adults.

Following a good introductory overview, it explores the existing research about the ageing experiences in gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and intersex communities, with a chapter dedicated to each. This makes it a useful and accessible text for professionals to dip into when working with individuals from different communities.

The authors report there were no integrative texts devoted solely to LGBT ageing and claim that this substantive area was typically addressed in one chapter of larger texts on ageing, allowing separate and diverse communities to be mistakenly considered as homogenous. Consideration is also given to the triple or multiple discriminations faced by those from ethnic minorities, those with learning disabilities, HIV/AIDs or with a low-socioeconomic status. It highlights challenges faced by ageing LGBT adults but also powerfully demonstrates resilience and strengths.

For myself, the most thought provoking chapter proved to be that about transgender ageing. Witten’s research suggests many older transgender adults consider suicide due to future fears of residential care where the individual could potentially face discrimination or mistreatment linked to their gender identity. This is a shocking call for action for health and social care professionals to reflect on how to provide support and ensure dignified care in later life.

The book explores how LGBT research has historically focused on the needs of young gay men with HIV or AIDs and their care givers. There is significantly less research about the ageing experiences of older gay men, then still less about lesbian, bisexual or transgender ageing adults. The tide is now turning, albeit slowly, so that research agendas are exploring experiences of LGBT ageing. The chapter on ageing intersex is included with some qualification and indicates the dearth of ageing research, whilst sensitively considering why intersex individuals are typically research resistant or hostile.

The book considers how LGBTI adults will face many of the ageing experiences of their heterosexual peers, but in addition they may face barriers to accessing health or social care services as a result of historic discrimination and prejudice. Factors which contribute to successful ageing across communities include the ability to maintain social networks, access healthcare and cultivate spirituality. Peer networks or families of choice can become paramount to LGBT adults who may have been rejected by biological families. Research suggests lesbian and gay adults are more commonly caregivers than their heterosexual peers, but they may not access caregiving support services.

Suggested approaches for health and social care professionals are made to improve outcomes for LGBT older adults. This includes confidentiality and providing care in the community in later life, particularly for transgender adults. Heteronormative forms and assessments are criticised for failing to use inclusive language. Knowledge and understanding about social policy and services for LGBT individuals is essential to promote the best outcomes. There is a call for LGBT communities to be less youth focused and to create support systems to cater for individuals across the life course.

One potential drawback is that this book is primarily designed for an American audience. It includes a few references to international LGBTI experiences but is largely a review of experiences, social policy and research generated in the USA. This leads to a limited and insufficient review of the diversity of experience for LGBTI individuals across the world where social policy and cultural perspectives radically differ.

Another limitation is the lack of research for contributors to draw from. Some chapters could be considered to offer a broad and generalised overview due to the lack of evidence-based research. Within these acknowledged limitations, the contributors are able to dissect and skilfully examine the research available and reference accordingly.

This text is not a definitive text on LGBT ageing but it is a thoughtful and well produced consolidation of some of the existing research. It successfully challenges stereotypes and myths about the ageing experiences of LGBT adults and adopts a strengths-based approach. It can support social and health care professionals to reflect on their practice and cultivate approaches where better outcomes can be delivered for LGBT adults across the life course.

About the reviewer

Dominique Brady is a Practising Hospital Social Worker interested in research. Dominique Brady can be contacted at: dbrady85@gmail.com