Lifestyle preferences for older lesbians: Aging in place

The CDC defines aging in place as "the ability to live in one's own home and community safely, independently, and comfortably, regardless of age, income, or ability level." Aging in place affords elders the opportunity to maintain independence, autonomy, and residential stability in their community and home, increasing their social, mental and physical well being. The 2011 IOM report on LGBT health noted the absence of data to guide elder services. Healthy People 2020 included a Topic Area for LGBT Health, yet data is generally unavailable, limiting program development and monitoring progress. In a probability-based study, LGBT seniors were concerned about being out to service providers and in-home help and did not have informal care resources such as children and other family. LGBT seniors were more likely than heterosexual counterparts to call upon friends for help and expressed deep connections to other LGBTs in their residential communities. Lesbian women were particularly concerned about safety and adequate resources as they aged. Informed by these findings, an in-depth study sheds light on factors affecting older lesbians' ability to age in place. In urban and rural focus groups, older lesbians discuss expectations about lifestyle preferences and the potential for aging in place programs that consider their specific concerns and needs. Study results identify factors that may facilitate or pose barriers to older lesbians' ability to age in place, including health issues experienced disproportionately by lesbians, family and social networks, sociocultural environment in their communities, and minority stress from experiences of stigma and discrimination.