Lesbian and gay elderly make up a minority group that up until recently has been invisible in public policy, academic research and even within the gay community itself. Very little research has been conducted on social networks and support for aging lesbians and gays. However, traditional gerontological models of “normal aging” have in recent years been challenged by a growing awareness that individual and society diversity across the lifespan leads to multiple different realities later in life.
Though older lesbians and gay men will in part share a common reality with all older people, the structural organization of sexuality privileges heterosexuality over other forms of sexuality. It can therefore be assumed that older lesbians and gay men will experience later life differently from their heterosexual counterparts. For instance, elderly lesbians and gays are significantly less likely than heterosexual women and men of comparable age to be in partnered relationships and to have children - the two groups most frequently called upon to provide care for a dependent elder. In the absence of a partner and of children, on whom are these older gay men and lesbians likely to call for support to satisfy their health care needs? This report provides the findings from a literature review of existing research in the field. Because of demographic trends and developments in society, an increasing number of lesbians and gays in the years ahead expect health care services that are adapted to their life experiences and needs. At the same time, homosexuality is not dealt with in a systematic way in the training of health professionals in Norway. The goal of this report is to start a discussion about the need for more more knowledge concerning health care challenges for minority groups who experience stigma in old age. Such a discussion could contribute to greater understanding of aging in general by having a holistic and inclusive approach to nursing and care among tomorrow's elderly.
Though older lesbians and gay men will in part share a common reality with all older people, the structural organization of sexuality privileges heterosexuality over other forms of sexuality. It can therefore be assumed that older lesbians and gay men will experience later life differently from their heterosexual counterparts. For instance, elderly lesbians and gays are significantly less likely than heterosexual women and men of comparable age to be in partnered relationships and to have children - the two groups most frequently called upon to provide care for a dependent elder. In the absence of a partner and of children, on whom are these older gay men and lesbians likely to call for support to satisfy their health care needs? This report provides the findings from a literature review of existing research in the field. Because of demographic trends and developments in society, an increasing number of lesbians and gays in the years ahead expect health care services that are adapted to their life experiences and needs. At the same time, homosexuality is not dealt with in a systematic way in the training of health professionals in Norway. The goal of this report is to start a discussion about the need for more more knowledge concerning health care challenges for minority groups who experience stigma in old age. Such a discussion could contribute to greater understanding of aging in general by having a holistic and inclusive approach to nursing and care among tomorrow's elderly.
