AARP Survey Addresses LGBT Elders

A new AARP survey delivers alarming statistics about the LGBT aging experience. According to the survey entitled “Maintaining Dignity: Understanding & Responding to the Challenges Facing Older LGBT Americans” half (52%) of LGBT adults said they fear discrimination in health care as they age. A staggering 88% of LGBT older people want providers in long-term care facilities who are specifically trained to meet LGBT patient needs. One-third of LGBT elder Americans were somewhat worried about having to hide their LGBT identity in order to have access to suitable housing. Black & Latino LGBT adults report the greatest concerns about future family support, social supports & discrimination within LTC facilities. Nii-Quartelai Quartey, Ed.D., AARP Senior Advisor & LGBT Liaison stated, “Older LGBT adults often have serious concerns about aging with dignity, compounded primarily by fears of discrimination & lack of social support. LGBT adults are clearly saying that they want LGBT-sensitive long-term care & other services.” Michael Adams SAGE CEO added, “With this new survey, AARP has made a vital contribution to increasing awareness about the lives, challenges & resiliencies of LGBT older people. The important work now is to do everything possible to respond to the acute needs documented in the survey so that LGBT older people have the same opportunities in their later years as all older Americans.” SAGE founded in 1978 is the country's largest & oldest organization dedicated to improving the lives of LGBT older people now celebrating its 40 year serving our LGBT seniors.
For More Info: sageusa.org
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