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Isolation, Socialization, Recreation, and Inclusion of LGBT Elders

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Handbook of LGBT Elders

Abstract

As people age, social support systems are essential, especially for LGBT persons who might be at greater risk of social isolation. Each person has a different experience and subsequent propensity for isolation. For many LGBT elders, social inclusion continues to be aspirational, with limited authentic and sustained progress having been made in this area. In this chapter, the influencing issues of socialization and inclusion/exclusion of LGBT elders are examined. The unique circumstances across the life span for LGBT elders that may either help or hinder opportunities for socialization and inclusion are discussed. Social inclusion to successful aging of LGBT elders is reviewed to gain insight into some of the explanations of their withdrawal from social and recreational functions. The significance of family involvement is explored. Finally, policy on social inclusion of elders is presented.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. University of Kentucky, Lexington, USA

    Debra A. Harley, Linda Gassaway & Lisa Dunkley

Authors
  1. Debra A. Harley
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  2. Linda Gassaway
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  3. Lisa Dunkley
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Debra A. Harley .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA

    Debra A. Harley

  2. University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA

    Pamela B. Teaster

Appendices

Learning Exercises

Self-check Questions

  1. 1.

    What are the ways in which older lesbians and older gay men differ in how they are perceived by younger lesbians and gay males?

  2. 2.

    What are some of the societal factors that contribute to the degree in which the elderly become isolated?

  3. 3.

    In comparison with heterosexual elders, how do LGBT elders differ in their social support systems?

  4. 4.

    What are some contextual factors for isolation in later life?

  5. 5.

    How does social isolation differ from a solitary lifestyle?

Field-Based Experiential Assignments

  1. 1.

    Conduct a survey of staff at a senior citizen center to determine their attitudes toward inclusion of LGBT elders.

  2. 2.

    Work with a senior citizen center, a church, or a senior living community to develop inclusive programming and activities for LGBT elders.

  3. 3.

    Develop a documentary on “A Day in the Life of an LGBT Elder.”

Multiple-Choice Questions

  1. 1.

    Which of the following LGBT elders are more likely to report that people from their faith communities are part of their support networks?

    1. (a)

      African Americans

    2. (b)

      Asian Americans

    3. (c)

      Hispanic Americans

    4. (d)

      White Americans

  2. 2.

    Which of the following is considered an important component to age independently and maintain quality of life?

    1. (a)

      Recreation

    2. (b)

      Faith community

    3. (c)

      Social care network

    4. (d)

      Culturally competent service providers

  3. 3.

    Which of the following is a primary underlying factor determining the prevalence of those considered as isolated?

    1. (a)

      Age of spouse/partner

    2. (b)

      Living status

    3. (c)

      Low self-esteem

    4. (d)

      Genetics

  4. 4.

    Feeling safe to leave one’s home, access to transportation, and availability of local events describe which of the following risk factors for isolation?

    1. (a)

      Societal-level risk factors

    2. (b)

      Personal-level risk factors

    3. (c)

      Geographical-level risk factors

    4. (d)

      Community-level risk factors

  5. 5.

    Which of the following group of LGBT elders report a greater sense of rejection because of physical and sexual changes?

    1. (a)

      Lesbians

    2. (b)

      Gay men

    3. (c)

      Bisexual women

    4. (d)

      Bisexual men

  6. 6.

    Which of the following contributes to higher levels of loneliness among older LGBT persons?

    1. (a)

      Minority stress

    2. (b)

      External subjective events

    3. (c)

      Internalized homophobia

    4. (d)

      All of the above

    5. (e)

      None of the above

  7. 7.

    Denial of services, harassment from providers and heterosexual elders, and having specific needs ignored at mainstream centers and programs lead to which of the following behaviors in LGBT elders?

    1. (a)

      Concealing their sexual identity

    2. (b)

      Advocating for inclusion

    3. (c)

      Accepting marginalization

    4. (d)

      Dismissing heterosexism

  8. 8.

    Which of the following demographic trends may exacerbate social isolation and loneliness in the future of LGBT Baby Boomers?

    1. (a)

      Decreased longevity than previous generations

    2. (b)

      Larger number of children than previous generations

    3. (c)

      Smaller family size in the family of origin

    4. (d)

      Less mobility

  9. 9.

    The types of neighborhood in which LGBT elders live suggest that communities are more conducive to which of the following?

    1. (a)

      Accessing services

    2. (b)

      Aging in place

    3. (c)

      Civic engagement

    4. (d)

      Employment contacts

  10. 10.

    In which areas can isolation of elders be found?

    1. (a)

      Rural

    2. (b)

      Densely populated

    3. (c)

      Urban

    4. (d)

      Only a

    5. (e)

      All of the above

Key

  • 1-a

  • 2-c

  • 3-b

  • 4-d

  • 5-b

  • 6-d

  • 7-a

  • 8-c

  • 9-a

  • 10-e

Resources

Diverse Elders Coalition: www.diverseelders.org

FORGE Transgender Aging Network: www.forge-forward.org

Human Rights Campaign: www.hrc.org/index.htm

LGBT Eder Initiative: www.lgbtei.org

National Resource Center on LGBT Aging: www.lgbtagingcenter.org

Old Lesbians Organizing for Change: www.oloc.org

Osage, P., & McCall, M. (2012). Connecting with socially isolated seniors: A service provider’s guide. Baltimore, MD: Health Professions Press.

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Harley, D.A., Gassaway, L., Dunkley, L. (2016). Isolation, Socialization, Recreation, and Inclusion of LGBT Elders. In: Harley, D., Teaster, P. (eds) Handbook of LGBT Elders. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-03623-6_30

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-03623-6_30

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

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  • Online ISBN: 978-3-319-03623-6

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