Aging Difficulty for America’s LGBTQ+ Seniors
Bill Hall, 71, has been navigating life-threatening illnesses for nearly four decades. As an HIV-positive individual and a gay man, Hall’s life story symbolizes the struggles endured by a significant part of America’s senior population. His life is a series of battles against not just HIV, but also a host of other diseases. Basis recent AARP research, Hall is not alone in his struggles. The findings revealed that LGBTQ+ seniors like Hall face higher-than-average rates of chronic health issues and mental health disorders.
Growing Challenges Amid a Growing Population
LGBTQ+ identification is prevalent among 3 million Americans aged 50 and above. Data from the National Resource Center on LGBTQ+ Aging reveals a startling fact: these individuals are twice as likely to be single and live alone compared to heterosexual seniors. Moreover, the number of older LGBTQ+ individuals is set to double by 2030. Chronic stress, disability, heart disease, and so on fall in the list of prevalent health issues affecting this community.
The Rise in Health Problems: A Stress Link?
Unhealthy coping mechanisms may be a contributing factor to this trend. Frequent smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and drug use have been reported as mechanisms employed to deal with stress. Studies suggest that these habits may contribute to poor health status. Also, a history of rejection by family and religious institutions might intensify these stressors even more.
Long-Term HIV Survival: A New Perspective on Aging
For seniors like Hall, who are long-term HIV survivors, aging comes with its unique set of issues. Out of 1.2 million HIV patients in the U.S., half are seniors. Projections indicate this figure might escalate to 70% by 2030. Unfortunately, this group deals with intensifying health problems and witnessed loss of peers, causing deep-rooted post-traumatic stress.
Absence of Support: Magnifying Difficulties
The lack of access to LGBTQ+ and age-friendly support services exacerbates these challenges. The nation’s largest organization for older LGBTQ+ adults, SAGE, highlights the difficulties experienced due to this lack of support. Many older adults in this community lead lives filled with loneliness and isolation, a stark contrast to what their golden years should represent.
A Lonely Struggle: Personal Stories
Consider Diedra Nottingham, a 74-year-old gay woman residing alone in an LGBTQ+-friendly senior housing complex. She shares the common fear of her community members, a fear rooted in the trauma of the AIDS epidemic. Similarly, Donald Bell, a senior Black man from Illinois, acknowledges feeling lonely but credits his survival as an achievement. They emphasize the importance of therapy sessions and support groups but admit to longing for a sense of belonging and companionship.
The Road Ahead: Embracing Aging
While aging can be challenging for anyone, it’s seemingly tougher for LGBTQ+ seniors, especially those battling long-term illnesses. It’s crucial to find ways of acknowledging the struggles posed by aging while celebrating their ability to weather the storm. Building a supportive network, creating age-friendly and LGBTQ+ friendly environments, and tapping into mental health resources can make a significant difference in their lives.
As our society moves forward, it must remember the challenges of those like Bill, Diedra, and Donald. We must learn from their experience, draw strength from their resilience, and use these findings as a catalyst for lasting change.