Queer Geographies of Age and Aging

Queer aging refers to the process of growing older while maintaining one's queer identity and community connections. It acknowledges the unique challenges and opportunities faced by LGBTQ+ individuals as they age.

The 65+ age group is the fastest-growing segment of the LGBTQ+ population, reflecting the aging of the general population as well as the increasing visibility and acceptance of LGBTQ+ identities.

LGBTQ+ gerontology is a field of study that focuses on the unique challenges and experiences faced by LGBTQ+ elders, including discrimination, social isolation, and lack of access to appropriate healthcare and support services.

Social support, including strong connections to family, friends, and community, is the most strongly associated factor with positive aging outcomes for LGBTQ+ individuals.

Late-life coming out refers to the process of coming out as LGBTQ+ later in life, often after years of living in the closet. This can be a complex and challenging process, but it can also be a liberating and empowering experience.

Discrimination, including fear of discrimination, is the most likely factor to contribute to social isolation among LGBTQ+ elders. This can lead to feelings of shame, isolation, and loneliness.

LGBTQ+ rurality refers to the unique challenges and experiences faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in rural areas, including limited access to LGBTQ+-friendly services, social isolation, and discrimination.

Discrimination, including fear of discrimination, is the most likely factor to contribute to health disparities among LGBTQ+ elders. This can lead to delayed or avoided care, which can have negative consequences for health outcomes.

LGBTQ+-friendly aging refers to the process of creating inclusive and welcoming communities for LGBTQ+ elders, including providing access to appropriate healthcare, housing, and social services.

Access to gender-affirming healthcare, including hormone therapy and surgery, is the most likely factor to contribute to positive aging outcomes for LGBTQ+ individuals who are transgender or gender non-conforming.

LGBTQ+ immigrant geographies refers to the unique challenges and experiences faced by LGBTQ+ individuals who are immigrants or refugees, including discrimination, social isolation, and lack of access to appropriate healthcare and support services.

Discrimination, including fear of discrimination, is the most likely factor to contribute to economic insecurity among LGBTQ+ elders. This can lead to job loss, underemployment, and poverty.

LGBTQ+-friendly housing refers to the process of creating inclusive and welcoming housing options for LGBTQ+ elders, including providing access to appropriate support services and creating a safe and affirming environment.

Access to antiretroviral therapy, which can suppress the HIV virus and prevent the development of AIDS, is the most likely factor to contribute to positive aging outcomes for LGBTQ+ individuals who are living with HIV/AIDS.

LGBTQ+ dementia experiences refers to the unique challenges and experiences faced by LGBTQ+ individuals who are living with dementia, including discrimination, social isolation, and lack of access to appropriate healthcare and support services.