Author:

GUASP April

Publisher:

Stonewall

Publication year:

2011

Pagination:

32p.

Place of publication:

London

YouGov was commissioned to survey a sample of 1,050 heterosexual and 1,036 lesbian, gay and bisexual people over the age of 55 across Britain. The survey asked about their experiences and expectations of getting older and examined personal support structures, family connections and living arrangements. It also asked about how they feel about getting older, the help they expect to need, and what they would like to be available from health and social care services. Older gay and bisexual men are around three times more likely to be single than heterosexual men. And while almost nine in ten heterosexual older people have children who may offer care and support in later life, this figure is just over a quarter of gay and bisexual men and just under a half of lesbian and bisexual women. Lesbian, gay and bisexual people are also half as likely to regularly see members of their biological family. This reduced network of support means older lesbian, gay and bisexual people are more likely to rely on formal social care but three in five were not confident that social care services would meet their needs and many expressed concern about being open about their sexuality.

Subject terms:

lesbians, older people, social networks, social care provision, stereotyped attitudes, access to services, bisexual people, care homes, gay men;

Content type:

research

Location(s):

United Kingdom

Link:

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