Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) seniors face the same fears and challenges as any other older adult. They struggle with health problems, live on limited incomes and worry about losing their independence.
But unlike their heterosexual peers, they're also confronted with unique issues that can compromise their health, quality of life and security down the road, according to the Healthy Aging Partnership, a coalition of 35 Puget Sound-area government and nonprofit organizations dedicated to the health and well-being of older adults.
LGBT seniors may encounter what some advocates say is a double whammy: anti-gay bias in the aging community and an anti-age bias in the youth-oriented LGBT community. If they are in a relationship, they also need to plan ahead to ensure they have the legal rights that are automatic for heterosexual married couples.
Heidi Petry, an assistant professor of nursing at University of Washington-Bothell, says many LGBT seniors may not get the timely and complete health care they need because they don't feel comfortable disclosing their sexual orientation to doctors and other health professionals.
"They think it's not relevant. There is also a lack of trust and a fear of mistreatment," said Petry, who is on the board for Rainbow Train, an organization that trains health care and social service providers in how to address the needs of LGBT individuals.
Along with the common health and aging concerns, LGBT seniors face some distinct health issues and needs.
"This will be the first generation of people aging with AIDS," Petry said. AIDS has become a global health crisis, affecting a growing percentage of heterosexuals, women and older adults.
Between 11 and 15 percent of all AIDS cases in the United States occur in people over the age of 50, according to the National Association on HIV Over Fifty.
Other health concerns include the unknown effects on transgender people of long-term hormone therapy, data showing a higher risk of breast cancer among lesbians, and the stress, isolation and depression that comes with hiding or denying your sexuality.
Older LGBT seniors may have spent a lifetime keeping their sexuality "closeted" in order to survive and maintain jobs and family relationships, advocates say. This fear of being outed may prevent them from seeking out the very care, programs and support they need.
Gay, lesbian and bisexual elders may live "invisible" lives - either closeted, presumed to be heterosexual, or both - but they make up a significant portion of the aging population. At least 1 to 3 million Americans over age 65 are gay, lesbian or bi-sexual, and the number will increase proportionally with the Baby Boom wave, according to the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force's Aging Initiative.
SOME TIPS
■ Take advantage of Washington's new domestic partnership law, which allows same-sex couples and all older unmarried couples to register as domestic partners starting in the summer of 2007. The law gives registered couples some of the rights of marriage, including hospital visitation and inheritance rights when there is no will.
■ Make out a will to further protect you and your partner's wishes if one of you dies or becomes seriously ill. If you have a serious health condition, it's also a good idea to have a Physician Order for Life-Sustaining Treatment, a medical order in which your health care professional specifies what types of life-sustaining treatments you want or don't want.
■ Build and maintain a social network, preferably of mixed age, to provide support and friendship now and into the future. This is particularly critical for LGBT seniors, who may be more likely to live alone and lack the support of family and adult children.
■ Think about your future housing options, and get involved in efforts to create affordable long-term housing for LGBT seniors. Many standard long-term care facilities are not prepared or inclined to accommodate the needs of LGBT elders, Petry said, adding that it's common for LGBT residents of such facilities to go back into the closet for fear of discrimination and even victimization.
SEEK SUPPORT
Local organizations that serve or support the LGBT community include:
■ Senior Services - HAP partner agency that serves more than 50,000 older adults each year through programs and services including senior centers, support groups and classes, and an information and assistance line (see below).
■ Verbena - Provides health screenings to LGBT people regardless of ability to pay (www.verbenahealth.org).
■ Gay City Health Project - Offers anonymous and confidential HIV testing and sexually-transmitted disease screening as well as counseling for gay, bisexual and transgender men (www. gaycity.org or 206-860-6969).
■ Old Lesbians Organizing for Change - National network of lesbians over age 60 working to confront ageism (www.oloc.org).
■ Mature Friends - Offers social activities and events for gay singles and couples over 40 (www .maturefriends.org).
For more information about services for LGBT seniors and other issues related to life as an older adult, call 1-888-4ELDERS (1-888-435-3377) or visit www.4elders.org. The free and confidential resource line offers a wealth of information and assistance to seniors and their caregivers.
The First Pacific NW Forum on LGBT Aging is June 15 and 16 at the University of Washington School of Social Work. Topics will include legal and ethical concerns, senior housing, healthy aging, caregiving and identifying elder abuse in the LGBT community. For more information, call Mo at Verbena at 206-323-6540, ext. 1.
Pam McGaffin, of Moore Ink PR, writes articles about important health, family and community issues for nonprofit organizations. Reach her at editor@ capitolhilltimes.com.
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