Results from a study of lesbian women and gay men in the Midwest over the age of 50, who indicate high levels of involvement in the gay community, provide a picture of the aging process of these adults that builds on previous research efforts. Respondents reported acceptance of the aging process, and high levels of life satisfaction, despite predictable problems associated with aging and sexual orientation. Being active in the gay community was an asset to accepting one's own aging.

Adaptation and Age-Related Expectations of Older Gay and Lesbian Adults

Much research on older gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) adults has focused on refuting the widely held misconceptions people have about GLBT lifestyles To date, however, few studies on older GLBTs have examined their social and health care needs Further, most studies have collected survey samples of older GLBT adults in large metropolitan areas and have not specifically addressed discrimination or bias in retirement care facilities In the current exploratory study on perceptions of discrimination and bias in retirement care facilities, we surveyed a wide age range GLBT adults in a smaller metropolitan area of fewer than 400,000 people to discover the perceptions of both younger and older GLBTs We surveyed perceptions of discrimination in retirement care facilities, sources of perceived discrimination, and suggestions for how discrimination might be reduced or eliminated in those settings Respondents indicated that administration, care staff, and residents of retirement care facilities themselves were all potential sources of discrimination, and that education addressing awareness and acceptance of GLBTs is one potential remedy for discrimination against GLBTs in retirement care facilities Respondents also indicated a strong desire for the development of GLBT-exclusive or GLBT-friendly retirement care facilities Chi-square analyses of responses to the discrimination questions and respondents' demographic characteristics revealed significant differences with regard to age, income, gender, community size, and education level of the respondents

Gay and Lesbian Perceptions of Discrimination in Retirement Care Facilities

Anyone who aspires to a fulfilling life would probably accept that this should include a right to sexual fulfillment. Yet modern Western culture continues to deny older people the same opportunities enjoyed by the young to express their sexuality. We review the psychosocial and physiological factors that influence the sexual expression of older people, provide a critical review of research paradigms used in the study of aging and sexuality, and discuss educational issues that health professionals and older people themselves must consider in order to dispel myths about asexual older people. We argue that it should not be assumed that the physical and pathological changes associated with advancing age reduce the opportunity to enjoy sex. Alternative interpretations and expressions of sexuality may be one of the great opportunities of growing older, especially in the absence of societal and culturally adverse expectations and attitudes.

Sexuality and older people: revisiting the assumptions

Summary This article discusses the impact that coming of age in the Pre-Stonewall era has had on older gays and lesbians. Anti-gay hate and violence, within a historical context of homophobia and heterosex-ism, are examined. Risk factors, as well as coping capacities, for older lesbians and gays are explored. Research on the psychological adjustment and well-being of older gays and lesbians is reviewed, and suggestions for intervention with this population are proposed.

Older Gays and Lesbians: Surviving a Generation of Hate and Violence

This exploratory study surveyed 71 self-identified gay men, lesbians, and bisexuals age 50-80 to identify their social service needs. Results showed (a) participants used social and support groups within the gay/lesbian community, but used general community health services, (b) gay/lesbian community services were significantly rated as more adequate in meeting needs in times of emotional crises than non-gay/lesbian services, (c) both women and men indicated that they would be interested in participating in social groups segregated by gender within the lesbian/gay community, and (d) women were significantly more interested in bereavement groups than men. The results suggest that social/support services for the older lesbian/gay population may be best provided in a lesbian/gay environment.

Fred A. Minnigerode

Papers

Elderly Homosexual Women and Men: Report on a Pilot Study.