older people’s health issues
Alternative Living Arrangements for Older People
Homosexual or transgender older adults
About 7% of the United States population are estimated to be lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender (LGBT), including as many as 2.6% of people over age 65. About 20% of LGBT older adults are people of color. One-third of LGBT older adults have limited financial resources, including 40% of LGBT adults over age 80 and 48% of those who identify as transgender. In addition to high rates of poverty and often a lifetime of discrimination and oppression, older people in a homosexual relationship face special caregiving challenges. The health care system may not be aware of their sexual orientation or gender identity, may not recognize their partner as having a role in caregiving decisions or as being part of the patient’s family, and may not provide services that are appropriate for their circumstances. Health care professionals should ask questions about partners, marital status, and living arrangements and help LGBT people manage specific challenges to their lifestyle choices. 