Perspectives of LGBTQ Older Adults on Aging in Place: A Qualitative Investigation

Authors

• Diane K. King
• Jennifer M. Boggs
• Jennifer Dickman Portz
• Leslie A. Wright
• Kenneth Helander
• Jessica H. Retrum
• Wendolyn S. Gozansky

Files

Description

This qualitative study conducted by a community-research partnership used multiple types of data collection to examine variables relevant for LGBTQ older adults who wished to age in place in their urban Denver neighborhood. Focus groups, interviews, and a town hall meeting were used to identify barriers and supports to aging in place. Participants (N=73) primarily identified as lesbian or gay, aged 50–69, and lived with a partner. Ageism, heterosexism, and/or cisgenderism emerged as cross-cutting themes that negatively impact access to healthcare, housing, social support, home assistance and legal services. Resilience from weathering a lifetime of discrimination was identified as a strength to handle aging challenges. Recommendations for establishing an aging in place model included: establishing welcoming communities, resource centers, and increasing cultural competence of service providers. This study provides a unique contribution to understanding the psychosocial, medical, and legal barriers for successfully aging in place.

Publication Date

10-12-2016

Keywords

qualitative methods, LGBTQ, aging in place, community-research partnership, older adults, Community-based participatory research

Recommended Citation

King, Diane K.; Boggs, Jennifer M.; Portz, Jennifer Dickman; Wright, Leslie A.; Helander, Kenneth; Retrum, Jessica H.; and Gozansky, Wendolyn S., "Perspectives of LGBTQ Older Adults on Aging in Place: A Qualitative Investigation" (2016). Articles. 49.
https://scholarworks.alaska.edu/uaa_iser_articles/49

Handle

http://hdl.handle.net/11122/14679