Journal of Social Service Research, 39(1), 2013, pp.3-15.
Publisher:
Taylor and Francis
Place of publication:
Philadelphia, USA
Utilising specific data from a national, online 115-question survey, the authors examined the perceived discrimination experiences of 456 lesbians older than the age of 51. Experiences explored included ageism and homophobia in a variety of relationships and social settings. Quantitative analysis and several open-ended questions provided qualitative descriptions of their experiences with discrimination. The findings indicate that older lesbians have experienced homophobia, heterosexism, and ageism in a variety of settings including housing, employment, health care, social situations, family relationships, or shopping/dining out. Sexual orientation discrimination was frequent in the employment setting. Study findings support the need for employment policies that protect the ability of sexual minorities in the workplace. Future recommendations outline the need for all social workers to be advocates for this population.
(Publisher abstract)
Utilising specific data from a national, online 115-question survey, the authors examined the perceived discrimination experiences of 456 lesbians older than the age of 51. Experiences explored included ageism and homophobia in a variety of relationships and social settings. Quantitative analysis and several open-ended questions provided qualitative descriptions of their experiences with discrimination. The findings indicate that older lesbians have experienced homophobia, heterosexism, and ageism in a variety of settings including housing, employment, health care, social situations, family relationships, or shopping/dining out. Sexual orientation discrimination was frequent in the employment setting. Study findings support the need for employment policies that protect the ability of sexual minorities in the workplace. Future recommendations outline the need for all social workers to be advocates for this population.
(Publisher abstract)
Subject terms:
lesbians, stereotyped attitudes, age discrimination, discrimination, employment, surveys;
Ageing and Society, 24(6), November 2004, pp.881-902.
Publisher:
Cambridge University Press
There is increasing recognition of the importance of social and cultural differences in shaping the diversity of the ageing experience in contemporary Britain. Various social and cultural factors, such as those associated with class, ethnicity, gender and disability, influence people's living circumstances and sources of support in later life. While they have been the subject of considerable speculation, ageing in a non-heterosexual context remains remarkably under-studied. This paper examines the difference that being non-heterosexual makes to how people experience ageing and later life. It draws on quantitative and qualitative data gathered for a British study of the living circumstances of non-heterosexuals aged between the fifties and the eighties. Previous work has overwhelmingly emphasised how individuals manage their sexual identities, but this paper focuses on the factors that shape the non-heterosexual experience of ageing and later life. Particular attention is paid to the relational and community contexts in which non-heterosexuals negotiate personal ageing. This not only provides insights into the specific challenges that ageing presents for non-heterosexuals, but also offers insights into the challenges faced by ageing non-heterosexuals and heterosexuals in ‘detraditionalised’ settings.
There is increasing recognition of the importance of social and cultural differences in shaping the diversity of the ageing experience in contemporary Britain. Various social and cultural factors, such as those associated with class, ethnicity, gender and disability, influence people's living circumstances and sources of support in later life. While they have been the subject of considerable speculation, ageing in a non-heterosexual context remains remarkably under-studied. This paper examines the difference that being non-heterosexual makes to how people experience ageing and later life. It draws on quantitative and qualitative data gathered for a British study of the living circumstances of non-heterosexuals aged between the fifties and the eighties. Previous work has overwhelmingly emphasised how individuals manage their sexual identities, but this paper focuses on the factors that shape the non-heterosexual experience of ageing and later life. Particular attention is paid to the relational and community contexts in which non-heterosexuals negotiate personal ageing. This not only provides insights into the specific challenges that ageing presents for non-heterosexuals, but also offers insights into the challenges faced by ageing non-heterosexuals and heterosexuals in ‘detraditionalised’ settings.
Subject terms:
lesbians, sex discrimination, sexuality, age discrimination, ageing, gay men;
The aim of the research was to investigate the social and policy implications of nonheterosexual ageing. Through exploring the experience of self-identified lesbians, gay men and bisexuals aged 50 and above we intended to identify the specific issues that arise for ‘older’ non-heterosexuals, explore strategies developed in negotiating everyday living outside established norms and supports, and identify key issues that arise for policy. The research was shaped by a theoretical interest in the challenges that contemporary social change brings up for ageing populations themselves and for policy makers.
The aim of the research was to investigate the social and policy implications of nonheterosexual ageing. Through exploring the experience of self-identified lesbians, gay men and bisexuals aged 50 and above we intended to identify the specific issues that arise for ‘older’ non-heterosexuals, explore strategies developed in negotiating everyday living outside established norms and supports, and identify key issues that arise for policy. The research was shaped by a theoretical interest in the challenges that contemporary social change brings up for ageing populations themselves and for policy makers.
Journal of Clinical Nursing, 25(23/24), 2016, pp.3415-3437.
Publisher:
John Wiley and Sons
Aims and objectives: To synthesise and evaluate the extant literature investigating the psychosocial influences on ageing as a lesbian, gay or bisexual person, to develop understanding about these influences and guide future research in the area.
Background: Research suggests there may be specific psychological and social factors relevant to ageing for individuals with a nonheterosexual identity.
Design: A systematic review was conducted on empirical research involving lesbian, gay and bisexual individuals aged 60 or above.
Methods: The Cochrane Database, PsychINFO, MEDLINE, Web of Science and Google Scholar were searched and 41 studies met inclusion criteria. The majority had not been reviewed in earlier review articles.
Results: Findings were within two domains: psychological, consisting of sub-themes relating to identity, mental health and body image; and social, consisting of relationships, social support, discrimination, caregiving and receiving, community, accessing services and housing. The results suggest lesbian, gay and bisexual individuals mostly adjust well to ageing identities, with mediating influences including self-acceptance and connection with peers. Challenges experienced included ageism and heteronormative health and social care services; intimate friendships, social support and respectful professionals mitigated such threats and facilitated successful ageing. Methodological issues related to sampling procedures, such as purposive sampling through the gay community and limited generalisability due to the homogeneity of participants. Additionally, there was a widespread lack of heterosexual control groups. However, most studies used appropriate measures and acknowledged inherent limitations.
Conclusion: Psychosocial influences included the challenge of societal stigma, but also resilience individuals demonstrate through a positive attitude. These factors must continue to be investigated for services to best meet the needs of this population.
Relevance to clinical practice: Clinicians are well placed to assist individuals draw on resilience when facing ageing challenges. Also, clinicians should be aware older people may have prior negative experiences of accessing services and try to involve ‘families of choice’ in care planning.
(Publisher abstract)
Aims and objectives: To synthesise and evaluate the extant literature investigating the psychosocial influences on ageing as a lesbian, gay or bisexual person, to develop understanding about these influences and guide future research in the area.
Background: Research suggests there may be specific psychological and social factors relevant to ageing for individuals with a nonheterosexual identity.
Design: A systematic review was conducted on empirical research involving lesbian, gay and bisexual individuals aged 60 or above.
Methods: The Cochrane Database, PsychINFO, MEDLINE, Web of Science and Google Scholar were searched and 41 studies met inclusion criteria. The majority had not been reviewed in earlier review articles.
Results: Findings were within two domains: psychological, consisting of sub-themes relating to identity, mental health and body image; and social, consisting of relationships, social support, discrimination, caregiving and receiving, community, accessing services and housing. The results suggest lesbian, gay and bisexual individuals mostly adjust well to ageing identities, with mediating influences including self-acceptance and connection with peers. Challenges experienced included ageism and heteronormative health and social care services; intimate friendships, social support and respectful professionals mitigated such threats and facilitated successful ageing. Methodological issues related to sampling procedures, such as purposive sampling through the gay community and limited generalisability due to the homogeneity of participants. Additionally, there was a widespread lack of heterosexual control groups. However, most studies used appropriate measures and acknowledged inherent limitations.
Conclusion: Psychosocial influences included the challenge of societal stigma, but also resilience individuals demonstrate through a positive attitude. These factors must continue to be investigated for services to best meet the needs of this population.
Relevance to clinical practice: Clinicians are well placed to assist individuals draw on resilience when facing ageing challenges. Also, clinicians should be aware older people may have prior negative experiences of accessing services and try to involve ‘families of choice’ in care planning.
(Publisher abstract)
Subject terms:
ageing, LGBT people, lesbians, gay men, bisexual people, older people, systematic reviews, stigma, age discrimination, attitudes;
Journal of Gerontological Social Work, 40(3), 2003, pp.67-79.
Publisher:
Taylor and Francis
Place of publication:
Philadelphia, USA
In a pilot study, a population of gay and lesbian elders were surveyed to determine what types of long term plans they have made in preparation for their old age, what types of information they feel service providers need to know to better meet their long-term needs, and what is their perception of aging. The results of this pilot study demonstrated that almost three-fourths of the total sample have started to make plans for growing old. The respondents reported that social workers needed to be more knowledgeable about gay lifestyles and the importance of their partners. It was also found that the views of aging became more positive as the gay and lesbian individuals grow older.
In a pilot study, a population of gay and lesbian elders were surveyed to determine what types of long term plans they have made in preparation for their old age, what types of information they feel service providers need to know to better meet their long-term needs, and what is their perception of aging. The results of this pilot study demonstrated that almost three-fourths of the total sample have started to make plans for growing old. The respondents reported that social workers needed to be more knowledgeable about gay lifestyles and the importance of their partners. It was also found that the views of aging became more positive as the gay and lesbian individuals grow older.
Subject terms:
homosexuality, lesbians, life style, older people, partners, self-concept, age discrimination, care planning, gay men;
Journal of Gay and Lesbian Social Services, 14(3), 2002, pp.1-21.
Publisher:
Taylor and Francis
Place of publication:
Philadelphia, USA
Cultural marginalization of both women and homosexuals stimulates in many lesbian women adaptive strategies which are useful in meeting thechallenges of aging, even while older lesbians are constrained by social constructions of gender, sexual orientation, and age. These factors combine to present a unique profile of challenges to lesbians as they age. Topics for research in lesbian aging have been limited in the past to preliminary studies of relationship formation and maintenance and issues of aging, and to social services advisories regarding lesbian consciousnessin case management and planning of gerontological services.
Cultural marginalization of both women and homosexuals stimulates in many lesbian women adaptive strategies which are useful in meeting thechallenges of aging, even while older lesbians are constrained by social constructions of gender, sexual orientation, and age. These factors combine to present a unique profile of challenges to lesbians as they age. Topics for research in lesbian aging have been limited in the past to preliminary studies of relationship formation and maintenance and issues of aging, and to social services advisories regarding lesbian consciousnessin case management and planning of gerontological services.
Subject terms:
lesbians, literature reviews, older people, social exclusion, social care provision, age discrimination, case management, gender;
Social Work Education (The International Journal), 21(2), April 2002, pp.171-181.
Publisher:
Taylor and Francis
Place of publication:
Philadelphia, USA
This paper examines the importance of approaching research with minority groups of older people in an inclusive way. For older people, ageism is a key feature of the discrimination and marginalisation they experience, but some are excluded and marginalised further on the basis of their ethnicity and sexuality. The 'invisibility' of these groups poses a challenge to social workers and social work educators, as assumptions about their experiences and needs may be made which do not reflect the subjective experiences of these older people. The use of Participatory Action Research as a method of including service users in knowledge and theory development will be analysed, and a research proposal undertaken in partnership with a local voluntary agency will be explored. The importance for social work education of pursuing 'inclusive' methods of research so that service users have more power over knowledge produced about their lives, will be discussed.
This paper examines the importance of approaching research with minority groups of older people in an inclusive way. For older people, ageism is a key feature of the discrimination and marginalisation they experience, but some are excluded and marginalised further on the basis of their ethnicity and sexuality. The 'invisibility' of these groups poses a challenge to social workers and social work educators, as assumptions about their experiences and needs may be made which do not reflect the subjective experiences of these older people. The use of Participatory Action Research as a method of including service users in knowledge and theory development will be analysed, and a research proposal undertaken in partnership with a local voluntary agency will be explored. The importance for social work education of pursuing 'inclusive' methods of research so that service users have more power over knowledge produced about their lives, will be discussed.
Subject terms:
lesbians, older people, participatory research, research methods, sexuality, user participation, user views, age discrimination, black and minority ethnic people, gay men;
lesbians, older people, racial discrimination, age discrimination, black and minority ethnic people, equal opportunities, gay men, gender, good practice;
Looks at the plans to have a single body to replace existing commissions and tackle age, disability, religious and anti-gay discrimination, and the concerns this has raised.
Looks at the plans to have a single body to replace existing commissions and tackle age, disability, religious and anti-gay discrimination, and the concerns this has raised.
Subject terms:
lesbians, organisations, physical disabilities, prevention, religions, religious discrimination, sex discrimination, sexual orientation discrimination, age discrimination, anti-discriminatory practice, disability discrimination, discrimination, gay men;
Literature review supporting the report which sets out the basic principles of good practice in working with older lesbians and gay men and looks how to develop an inclusive organisation with adapted services, training and consultation.
Literature review supporting the report which sets out the basic principles of good practice in working with older lesbians and gay men and looks how to develop an inclusive organisation with adapted services, training and consultation.
Extended abstract:
Author
TURNBULL Annmarie;
Title
Opening doors: the needs of older lesbians and gay men; a literature review.
Publisher
Age Concern England, 2001.
Summary
This report surveys recent and current literature regarding the needs of older lesbians and gay men. It complements Opening Doors - Working with older lesbians and gay men, a resource pack that Age Concern England published in July 2001. The document format is much the same as that for the Resource Pack and contains sections which: contexts this work within the wider work programme of Age Concern England; outlines the methods used; summaries the findings; provides illustrative case studies; discusses the findings; and lists references and contacts.
Context
Age Concern is in the process of developing a coherent strategy for working with and on behalf of older lesbians and gay men. Work has already begun in this area. The Resource Pack, Opening Doors - Working with older lesbians and gay men, (2001), has been produced, launched and circulated, and a series of training event undertaken for local Age Concerns. It is the intention now to continue to raise the profile of the work by seeking out examples of good practice throughout the federation and the wider community. In that context this report was commissioned to analyse the outcomes of a literature search on the needs of older lesbians and gay men and to highlight key issues and findings that would inform strategy.
Method
The author states that the work undertaken was desk research and the methods have been limited to: catalogue and abstract scanning; document retrieval and analysis; telephone conversations; and, compilation of brief illustrative UK case studies. No search strategy and inclusion criteria are defined.
Contents
This 23 page report is divided into four sections. Section one outlines the function of this report, provides contextual information and the aims of the report, and, briefly outlines the methods utilised in the literature review. Section two provides a summary of findings from the literature review and looks at possible positive and possible negative issues for the ageing lesbian/gay individual. Section three lists references and suggested further reading, and section four lists relevant contacts.
Conclusion
"While research to date indicates that a lesbian or gay man's sexual identity has both positive and negative potential in their ageing process, it needs to be stressed that most of the samples have focused on people who are relatively comfortable with their sexuality. Invisibility is a crucial factor. It inhibits the potential for research, reinforces the idea that there are no specific needs among this group and silences the gay and lesbian individual.
Not surprisingly, gay men and lesbians share the same common concerns about ageing as most older people: loneliness, ill health and financial concerns. They also share the realisation that support around these three issues is frequently inadequate. What distinguishes them is that their old age could be improved in other ways by significant changes in social attitudes, the law and subsequently to service provision."
37 References.
Subject terms:
homosexuality, housing, lesbians, life style, literature reviews, older people, social care provision, age discrimination, attitudes, discrimination, education, gay men, good practice;