LGBT seniors need specialized care

World AIDS Day is a time to examine some of the stigmas surrounding not only this disease, but many different aspects of sexuality. Eliminating these stigmas is the first step to encouraging more open communication about sexual health, which could potentially lead to lower rates of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). 

Recently, a study conducted by the University of Washington's School of Social Work found that the needs of elderly lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people are largely unmet as they seem to lack sufficient access to public services.

"The health disparities reflect the historical and social context of their lives, and the serious adversity they have encountered can jeopardize their health and willingness to seek services in old age," said researcher Karen Fredriksen-Goldsen.

The study found that this population has several unique characteristics when compared to heterosexual elderly people. Older LGBT individuals are less likely to seek public services that are meant to take care of senior citizens because they fear discrimination. Researchers discovered that 80 percent of participants had been victimized due to their sexual orientation in their lifetime.

Furthermore, many study participants did not have children to assist them.While many younger LGBT people are having or adopting children, this practice was not as common decades ago, leaving many elderly people in this population without offspring to care for them.

It wasn't all bad news, however, as researchers found that LGBT seniors are resilient and have built communities where they take care of each other. They are even remaining physically active, and 82 percent of those surveyed said they exercise regularly while 90 percent said they felt support from their community. Still, the overall findings of this study suggest that more programs need to be developed to serve this population.