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Walsh CA, Grittner AL. Picturing the dance: intersections of gender, sexuality, and age in older women queer square dancers. J Women Aging 2024:1-16. [PMID: 38738807 DOI: 10.1080/08952841.2024.2347718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
A dearth of research has focused on the diverse experiences of aging sexual minority populations and, in particular, older sexual minority women. Studies that have disaggregated the population of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning, queer, intersex and two-spirit (LGBTQIS+) older adults reveal that due to minority stress and a lifetime of disadvantage. Lesbians experience higher rates of chronic health conditions and mental health problems (including loneliness) than heterosexual women and greater financial inequalities compared to gay men or heterosexual women. Despite this, limited inquiry has explored the everyday lives of older queer women and fewer still draws upon women's commentary on their own lived experiences or centers older women as authoritative agents and experts on their own lives. In response to this knowledge deficit, this research traverses the aging experiences of female-identified members of a gay square dance (GSD) club in Toronto, Canada. We apply queer theory to explicate the unique ways in which a GSD club queers the aging process for 14 older women dancers. Findings of the inquiry highlight the ways in which these dancers confront and reject heteronormativity, while illuminating pathways to successful aging for older sexual diverse women. The older women dancers in this study perform gender in ways that challenged heteronormativity and gender binaries, enhanced belongingness and acceptance, embodied joy, and fostered wellness. These concepts have been identified as critical factors in successful aging and highlight what queering aging might look like for this resilient population who have overcome a lifetime of disadvantage.
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Hurd L, Li LYK. "I Want to Grow Older With Dignity": Older LGBTQ+ Canadian Adults' Perceptions and Experiences of Aging. J Appl Gerontol 2024; 43:536-549. [PMID: 38105632 PMCID: PMC10981199 DOI: 10.1177/07334648231219414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The number of older LGBTQ+ adults is growing worldwide. Yet few studies outside of the United States have examined their experiences of aging. Drawing on the Health Equity Promotion Model and contextualized in Canada's unique socio-political history, our study used multiple, in-depth, qualitative interviews to examine 30 older Canadian LGBTQ+ adults' (aged 65-83) perceptions and experiences of growing older. Our descriptive thematic analysis identified three overarching categories: "Losses," "gains," and "needs." Losses referred to the changes in the participants' health, autonomy, and relationships that had occurred with age. Gains entailed positive later life changes, including increased wisdom, flexibility, and social connections. Finally, needs referred to those things that the participants deemed essential for aging well, namely, inclusive health care, meaningful activities, and supportive networks. We discuss the policy and practice implications of our findings for the fostering of health, well-being, and social inclusion amongst this often-marginalized population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Hurd
- School of Kinesiology, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Lynda Y. K. Li
- Department of Physical Therapy, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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Detwiler BP, Caskie GIL, Johnson NL. It's Complicated: Minority Stress, Social Support, In-Group Social Contact, and Sexual Minority Older Adults' Well-Being. THE GERONTOLOGIST 2023; 63:350-360. [PMID: 35767630 DOI: 10.1093/geront/gnac092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES We applied the Minority Stress Model to sexual minority older adults to examine how distal minority stressors of ageism and heterosexism related to psychological well-being (life satisfaction, quality of life, psychological distress, and loneliness). We investigated social support and in-group social contact as stress-ameliorating factors and tested for a potential intersection of stress due to minority identities. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS A sample of 189 sexual minority older adults (50-86 years; M = 60.41) completed survey measures online. Hierarchical regression analyses with interaction terms were utilized to test study hypotheses. RESULTS Findings offered partial support for the Minority Stress Model. Large effect sizes were obtained, explaining 32%-56% of the variance in psychological well-being with models including ageism, heterosexism, stress-ameliorating factors, and demographics. Ageism and heterosexism related to greater psychological distress; however, heterosexism became nonsignificant after controlling for stress-ameliorating factors. Ageism and heterosexism's relations to loneliness and quality of life followed similar patterns. Social support was a strong predictor of better psychological well-being for all measures. In-group social contact buffered against distress resulting from ageism, but heightened distress resulting from heterosexism. The interaction of ageism and heterosexism was not significant. DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATIONS Ageism was a distinct source of distress for sexual minority older adults. Although social support emerged as crucial to well-being, the mixed findings related to in-group contact as a stress-ameliorating factor may indicate a need for tailored social engagement to optimize community connection as protective for sexual minority older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bethany P Detwiler
- Department of Education and Human Services, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Grace I L Caskie
- Department of Education and Human Services, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Nicole L Johnson
- Department of Education and Human Services, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, USA
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Dortmans A, Thölking TW, van Wijngaarden EJ. Turning grey is not a black-and-white experience: A phenomenological study on the lived experience of old age among Dutch Franciscan friars. J Aging Stud 2022; 61:101004. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jaging.2022.101004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Revised: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Jabson Tree JM, Patterson JG, Beavers DP, Bowen DJ. What Is Successful Aging in Lesbian and Bisexual Women? Application of the Aging-Well Model. J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci 2021; 76:1371-1387. [PMID: 32827215 DOI: 10.1093/geronb/gbaa130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Most evidence concerning aging ignores women's sexual orientation, yet sexual orientation-related discrimination across the life course may influence older lesbian and bisexual women's risk for poorer health. Understanding aging-well in this group is vital to development, testing, and implementation of evidence-based health promotion programming and services for aging sexual minority women. METHOD Data were from the Women's Health Initiative (N = 15,691; heterosexual n = 15,002, lesbian n = 440, bisexual n = 249) extension study. Multivariable linear and logistic regression tested associations between sexual orientation and indicators of successful, effective, and optimal aging-well in age-stratified groups of women (60-74 and 75+). RESULTS Lesbians aged 60-74 were more likely (odds ratio [OR] 1.59, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.16, 2.18) to report good self-mastery, more social support (b = 2.92, 95% CI, 1.99, 3.85), and greater likelihood of enjoying life (OR 1.46, 95% CI 1.06, 2.01) compared with heterosexual women. Bisexual women aged 75+ reported increased personal growth (b = 1.09, 95% CI 0.23, 1.95) compared to heterosexuals. While lesbians aged 75+ had greater likelihood of living in a nursing home (OR 1.96; 95% CI 1.01, 3.82) and were less likely to be happy at least most of the time (OR 0.68, 95% CI 0.49, 0.99), they reported greater self-mastery (OR 1.55; 95% CI 1.06, 2.26) than their heterosexual peers. DISCUSSION Aging-well is not the same for all women. Health promotion programs may consider maximizing sexual minority women's internal and external resources-including social supports, self-mastery, and personal growth-to promote wellness in older age.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Daniel P Beavers
- Biostatistics and Data Science, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | - Deborah J Bowen
- Department of Bioethics and Humanities, University of Washington, Seattle
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Valenti KG, Jen S, Parajuli J, Arbogast A, Jacobsen AL, Kunkel S. Experiences of Palliative and End-of-Life Care among Older LGBTQ Women: A Review of Current Literature. J Palliat Med 2020; 23:1532-1539. [DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2019.0639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Korijna G. Valenti
- Department of Sociology and Gerontology, Miami University, Oxford, Ohio, USA
| | - Sarah Jen
- School of Social Work, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas, USA
| | - Jyotsana Parajuli
- College of Nursing, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Annabelle Arbogast
- Department of Sociology and Gerontology, Miami University, Oxford, Ohio, USA
| | | | - Suzanne Kunkel
- Department of Sociology and Gerontology, Miami University, Oxford, Ohio, USA
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Putney JM, Keary S, Hebert N, Krinsky L, Halmo R. "Fear Runs Deep:" The Anticipated Needs of LGBT Older Adults in Long-Term Care. JOURNAL OF GERONTOLOGICAL SOCIAL WORK 2018; 61:887-907. [PMID: 30102141 DOI: 10.1080/01634372.2018.1508109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Older lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) adults are a vulnerable yet resilient population who face unique stressors as they foresee health decline. This paper presents the results of a study about community-dwelling LGBT older adults' anticipated needs and fears related to nursing homes and assisted living. METHODS This qualitative study collected data through seven focus groups. The sample (N = 50) consisted of LGBT-identified adults age 55 and over. We used an inductive, thematic analysis approach to data analysis. RESULTS Participants seek an inclusive environment where they will be safe and feel connected to a community. They fear dependence on healthcare providers, dementia, mistreatment, and isolation. Importantly, these fears can lead to identity concealment and psychological distress, including suicide ideation. DISCUSSION This study adds to the existing literature about the worries of older LGBT adults as they anticipate long-term care. The results suggest that older LGBT adults seek LGBT-inclusive residential care settings that encompass two distinct yet related aspects of LGBT-affirmative care: the procedural (e.g. culturally competent skills and knowledge of practitioners) and the implicit (e.g. the values and mission of the organization). This paper identifies implications for practice, policy, and training.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer M Putney
- a Simmons College School of Social Work , Boston , Massachusetts , USA
- b The Fenway Institute , Boston , Massachusetts , USA
| | - Sara Keary
- c Department of Psychiatry , Mount Auburn Hospital , Cambridge , Massachusetts , USA
| | - Nicholas Hebert
- a Simmons College School of Social Work , Boston , Massachusetts , USA
| | - Lisa Krinsky
- b The Fenway Institute , Boston , Massachusetts , USA
| | - Rebekah Halmo
- a Simmons College School of Social Work , Boston , Massachusetts , USA
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Counselman-Carpenter E, Redcay A. Mining for Posttraumatic Growth (PTG) in Sexual Minority Women Who Survive Intimate Partner Violence: A Conceptual Perspective. Behav Sci (Basel) 2018; 8:bs8090077. [PMID: 30154308 PMCID: PMC6162730 DOI: 10.3390/bs8090077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2018] [Revised: 08/17/2018] [Accepted: 08/21/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
This theoretical paper explores the need to use posttraumatic growth (PTG) as a framework when studying sexual minority women (SMW) who are survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV) to examine the relationship between risk factors such as stress, anxiety and alcohol use and to understand the role of protective factors through mining for the presence of posttraumatic growth (PTG). Despite a call for continued research in this highly vulnerable population, representative studies of SMW and PTG remain extremely limited. Research that examines the relationship between IPV, behavioral health issues, and posttraumatic growth would provide the opportunity to develop tailored intervention models and opportunities for program development to decrease isolation and increase factors of posttraumatic growth. In particular, the impact of how interpersonal relationships as potential mediators and/or outcomes of posttraumatic growth (PTG) needs to be explored more thoroughly. PTG is a valuable framework for vulnerable populations such as sexual minority women because it focuses on how transformative change may result from traumatic experiences such as surviving IPV.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alex Redcay
- School of Social Work, Millersville University, Millersville, PA 17551, USA.
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Seelman KL, Lewinson T, Engleman L, Maley OR, Allen A. Coping Strategies Used by LGB Older Adults in Facing and Anticipating Health Challenges: A Narrative Analysis. JOURNAL OF GAY & LESBIAN SOCIAL SERVICES 2017; 29:300-318. [PMID: 30568396 PMCID: PMC6296477 DOI: 10.1080/10538720.2017.1310644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Given that lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) older adults face notable health disparities compared to their heterosexual counterparts, there is a need for understanding how LGB adults cope with health challenges in late life. The current study analyzes narratives from nine LGB adults age 65 and older living in an urban area in the Southeast U.S. Participants spoke of coping strategies related to health promotion behaviors, shifting perspectives of health and body, trusting in spirituality for comfort, and accepting the end of life. We discuss implications for social services professionals who work with older LGB adults and for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Alex Allen
- School of Social Work, Georgia State University
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