Seventy-five percent of older adults who identify as LGBTQ+ are concerned about having enough support from family and friends as they get older, according to a study by AARP.
Respondents with disabilities also were more likely to say they are extremely or very concerned about having adequate social support.
The report, “Dignity 2024: The Experience of LGBTQ+ Older Adults,” examines top concerns of LGBTQ+ adults aged 45 or more years. The survey was conducted online in April among 2,212 members of LGBTQ+ community members of that age.
An estimated 2.7 million to 3 million adults aged 50 or more years identify as LGBTQ+, according to LGBTQ+ elder advocacy group SAGE. Its National LGBTQ+ Housing Initiative estimates that there will be 7 million LGBTQ+ adults aged 50 or more years by 2030. The results of a Gallup poll released in March found that 7.6% of US adults now identify as LGBTQ+. Among Gen Z adults born after 1997, that number is closer to 20%.
“The unique needs and realities of older LGBTQ+ Americans are still too often overlooked in society,” Senior Research Advisor for AARP Cassandra Cantave Burton stated Monday. “AARP’s research has consistently shown that the majority of LGBTQ+ older adults are concerned about having adequate social supports to rely on as they age.”
Approximately half of the respondents said they already feel socially isolated at times, citing lack of companionship (45%) , whereas others (48%) said they often or sometimes feel isolated in general.
Access to healthcare also is a concern. The participants indicated that age discrimination (25%), sexual orientation discrimination (21%) or gender identity discrimination (20%) have an effect on healthcare.
Age-based discrimination factors into worries among older LGBTQ+ Americans. Forty-five percent of the respondents said they are concerned about future employment prospects.
Financial security heading into retirement is very or extremely important to 94% of the respondents.
“The report also offers recommendations to improve the outcomes, including increasing access to health care and providing health care providers tools and training for increased awareness of issues related to the LGBTQ+ community,” the AARP said.
