Lifetimes of discrimination and stigmatization put LGBT older adults at risk for social isolation, generally considered to be an involuntary lack of contact with others. It may coexist with loneliness, but they are not the same.
Loneliness is the feeling that you do not have enough contact, or meaningful contact, with others. Social isolation is a lack of social contact. Loneliness can occur even if you are not socially isolated.
Staying connected is important for maintaining overall health as well as a sense of well-being. Although the exact reasons are unclear, it is believed that a lack of connection with others may have health risks similar to that of cigarette smoking.
Some experts suggest older people derive health benefits through contact with others who may encourage healthy behaviors such as adequate sleep, nutrition and exercise. Also, access to social networks may connect individuals with information and needed resources. Finally, informal networks, which consist of family, friends, neighbors and volunteers, provide valuable support and care.
The degree of social isolation is a factor in determining whether an older adult can maintain independence and “age in place.” Negative effects of social isolation frequently lead to the need for the elderly person to move to an assisted-living or nursing-home setting.
Research indicates that older adults have a strong preference for remaining in independent-living situations. In order to remain independent, older adults need a variety of services. These include support with medical, legal, housing, spiritual, family, mental-health and social needs.
LGBT older adults can experience social isolation for many reasons, such as the loss of a spouse or supportive friends, or physical or psychological disabilities.
Some LGBT older adults may be particularly vulnerable. Many rely more heavily on their “chosen families,” particularly in situations where “coming out” negatively affected the relationship with a “family of origin.” Under these circumstances, loss of a partner or a close friend may be especially problematic because there are no siblings, children or other “relatives” to provide social connection and support.
While there are supports that address the needs of the general older-adult population, many do not address the unique needs of LGBT older adults. Research indicates that LGBT older adults may fear discrimination, or may sense they are not welcome in senior centers, adult day care and other settings. Ironically, these environments are designed to increase socialization and decrease the potential negative effects of social isolation. Suggested future directions
Training is needed to ensure that existing social and other support services are competent and LGBT-sensitive. Research indicates many health-care and social-service providers lack adequate training to address the unique needs of LGBT older adults.
Advocacy efforts must be strengthened. For example, LGBT older adults are not included in the Older Americans Act. LGBT older adults must be included in this legislation as a vulnerable population. States will then be required to collect data so that funds and services are provided to our communities on a proportional basis.
Programs within the LGBT community should continue to be developed that meet the needs of the older population. Philadelphia is fortunate to have the William Way LGBT Community Center, providing a variety of social opportunities for older LGBT people. Check out MorningsOUT, Silver Foxes and Women’s Wednesdays, to name a few.
New models for supporting aging in place are being pioneered, such as the Village to Village Network that utilizes a grassroots, self-governing approach to design communities that support older adults as they age in place. Penn’s Village, East Falls Village and Mutual Mt. Airy Village are in the Philadelphia area.
Explore new communication technologies as a tool for staying connected with friends, family and your community. The LGBT Elder Initiative will present “Keeping Connected: Seniors & Technology” April 12 to help older adults use computers, smart phones and tablets as one way of avoiding isolation. While these technologies may serve a useful purpose in helping older adults access information and keep connected, experts agree that they do not substitute for direct human interaction.
There may also be a need to educate LGBT older adults on the effective and safe use of newer technologies. Of particular concern is the potential for financial exploitation. “Keeping Connected” will explore how to maintain privacy and security while using these technologies and the ’Net. Call the EI for more information about this program at 267-546-3448.
The LGBT older-adult population is growing rapidly. Most of these individuals equate a high-quality life with one in which they are able to age in place. In order to support this goal, the LGBT community will need to address issues associated with social isolation. Let’s hope that we are up for the challenge.
Michael Clark is chair of the LGBT Elder Initiative’s Advocacy and Policy Committee. The LGBTEI, headquartered in Philadelphia, fosters and advocates for services, resources and institutions that are competent, culturally sensitive, inclusive and responsive to the needs of LGBT elders in the Delaware Valley. To comment on this article, suggest topics for future articles or for more information, please visit www.lgbtei.org or call the LGBTEI at 267-546-3448 and watch for “Gettin’ On” each month in PGN.