scholarly journals Advance Care Plans for Sexual Minority Older Adults: Disparities Across Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Individuals

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 860-860
Author(s):  
Britney Wardecker ◽  
Jes Matsick
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Sexual Minority ◽  
Sexual Minorities ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Health Providers ◽  
Power Of Attorney ◽  
Care Plans ◽  
Lesbian And Gay ◽  
Advance Care ◽  
And Bisexual

Abstract To ensure preference-based care, health providers advise individuals to establish advance care plans (e.g., power of attorney, valid will; NIA, 2018). Though important for all individuals to prepare for declining health, it is critical for bisexual older adults to establish plans given they evidence more health problems compared to heterosexual, lesbian, and gay counterparts (Fredriksen-Goldsen et al., 2016). To assess factors related to having advance care plans, we used data from sexual minority older adults (n=158) in the Health and Retirement Study (2016). Bisexual individuals reported a lower number of valid wills than lesbian and gay participants, t(152)=3.80, p<.001. This finding is particularly alarming given bisexual people are the numeric majority of sexual minorities and experience elevated health problems in older age. We will discuss mechanisms of disparities, the need for research on end-of-life care for sexual minorities, and implications for improving healthcare providers role in facilitating care plans.

scholarly journals Health Among Sexual Minority Older Adults: Individual Differences and Implications for Improving Health

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 860-860
Author(s):  
Britney Wardecker ◽  
Cara Exten
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Individual Differences ◽  
Sexual Minority ◽  
Health Care Access ◽  
Psychological Health ◽  
Negative Mood ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Care Access ◽  
Age Related

Abstract The number of sexual minority (SM) older adults is increasing rapidly, yet this population continues to be underrepresented in research (Fredriksen-Goldsen & Kim, 2017) and experiences significant disparities in health and health care access (Fredriksen-Goldsen, 2016; Wallace et al., 2011). In the current symposium, we analyze data from U.S. national probability samples of middle-aged and older adults (MIDUS, HRS, NESARC-III) to consider how age-related concerns and challenges may be experienced differently by SM individuals compared to their heterosexual counterparts. This symposium includes novel methods and statistical tools, such as daily diary assessments, multilevel modeling, and time-varying effects models. Individual presentations evaluate how: (1) SM women, compared to heterosexual women, may respond differently to menopause through norms and values surrounding womanhood; (2) midlife and older SM individuals use alcohol and cigarettes more frequently across a typical week than their heterosexual counterparts, though their substance use may not be tied to common triggers (e.g., negative mood, stress); (3) despite bisexual older adults reporting more health problems compared to lesbian and gay counterparts, they are less prepared for health concerns and crises (e.g., reporting a lower number of valid wills); and (4) the prevalence of depression and anxiety varies across age, such that older SM adults—especially women—are particularly vulnerable to psychological health problems. These presentations collectively examine complex issues facing older SM adults while emphasizing individual differences (i.e., women’s concerns, bisexual people’s issues). We discuss challenges in researching this growing at-risk population, and we highlight areas of future research and intervention.

scholarly journals THE PROTECTIVE ROLE OF SOCIAL SUPPORT ON DEPRESSIVE SYMPTOMS AMONG AGING SEXUAL MINORITY CANADIANS

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S303-S304
Author(s):  
Arne Stinchcombe ◽  
Nicole G Hammond ◽  
Kimberley Wilson
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Sexual Orientation ◽  
Sexual Minority ◽  
Large Population ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Protective Role ◽  
Linear Regression Models ◽  
And Bisexual

Abstract Sexual minority older adults face minority stressors that are associated with higher rates of mental illness. The stress buffering effects of social support within majority populations are well documented. Using a large population-based sample of aging Canadians, we sought to examine the relationship between sexual orientation and depressive symptoms, and determine whether this relationship is moderated by social support and sex. Baseline data from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (CLSA) were used (n = 46147). Participants were between the ages of 45-85 years at time of recruitment (mean age = 62.46, SD = 10.27), and self-reported their sexual orientation as heterosexual or lesbian, gay, or bisexual (LGB) (2.1%). Social support and depressive symptoms were measured using validated instruments. Four functional social support subscales were derived: tangible, positive social interaction, affectionate, and emotional/informational. Multiple linear regression models adjusted for relevant covariates were conducted. LGB identification was associated with greater depressive symptoms when compared to heterosexual participants (p = 0.032). As evidenced by a significant 3-way interaction (p = 0.030), increasing tangible social support was associated with a corresponding decrease in the risk of depressive symptoms; this relationship was most pronounced for lesbian and bisexual women. A significant 2-way interaction (p = 0.040) revealed that as emotional/informational social support increased, depressive symptoms decreased, with greater disparity between LGB and heterosexual participants at lower levels of social support. The results highlight the importance of social support in promoting mental health, especially among sexual minority older adults.

Advance care planning among older LGBT Canadians: Heteronormative influences

Sexualities ◽  
2020 ◽  
pp. 136346071989696
Author(s):  
Brian de Vries ◽  
Gloria Gutman ◽  
Shimae Soheilipour ◽  
Jacqueline Gahagan ◽  
Áine Humble ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
End Of Life ◽  
Advance Care Planning ◽  
Cultural Context ◽  
Death And Dying ◽  
Living Will ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Care Planning ◽  
Power Of Attorney ◽  
Advance Care

Advance care planning (ACP) in North America often takes place in a cultural context of great ambivalence about death and dying, challenging efforts to discuss end-of-life care desires and preparations for death. Such challenges are amplified for sexual and gender minority older adults who often lack connections to traditional heteronormative systems of support. The extent of ACP preparation (completed documents, discussions) and their predictors was examined among a national sample of 91 community-dwelling Canadian LGBT older adults (mean age 68). The sample was disproportionately single and lived alone; more trans participants had children and about half of all participants reported a chosen family. About two-thirds of participants had a will, while less than half had a living will and power of attorney for health care, and a quarter had made informal caregiving arrangements. Just over one-third of respondents reported having discussions about future care and end-of-life plans. The only significant predictors of both ACP documents completed and ACP discussions undertaken were relationship status (those in a relationship were more likely to have engaged in both) and number of children (those with children were less likely to have completed documents). Given that most LGBT older adults are single, efforts must be expanded to reach and engage these individuals in preparing for end of life.

Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Contact with Police in Chicago: Disparities across Sexuality, Race, and Socioeconomic Status

2018 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 328-349 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah M. Steele ◽  
Megan Collier ◽  
J. E. Sumerau
Keyword(s):  
Socioeconomic Status ◽  
Social Science ◽  
Urban Area ◽  
Sexual Minority ◽  
Sexual Minorities ◽  
Minority Rights ◽  
Racial Identification ◽  
Representative Data ◽  
Police Contact ◽  
And Bisexual

In this article, we examine intersections of race, sexuality, and socioeconomic status (SES) in people’s experiences with police contact in Chicago. Utilizing representative data concerning police contact as well as sexual and racial identification, we examine variations in police contact for respondents occupying different racial, sexual, and economic social locations. In so doing, we examine the case of an urban area often lauded for progress in sexual minority rights to quantitatively evaluate disparities in the experiences of sexual minorities occupying different racial and sexual positions in society. In conclusion, we draw out implications for (1) developing intersectional analyses of contemporary sexual minority experience; (2) understanding the ways race, sexuality, and SES shape experiences with police contact even in settings deemed more progressive than the broader society; and (3) the ways in which incorporating an analysis of bisexuality into mainstream social science complicates existing assumptions and theories.

Prejudice Against Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Coaches: The Influence of Race, Religious Fundamentalism, Modern Sexism, and Contact with Sexual Minorities

2012 ◽  
Vol 29 (3) ◽  
pp. 283-305 ◽  
Author(s):  
George B. Cunningham ◽  
Nicole Melton
Keyword(s):  
African Americans ◽  
Sexual Minority ◽  
Sexual Prejudice ◽  
The Other ◽  
Religious Fundamentalism ◽  
Sexual Stigma ◽  
Lesbian And Gay ◽  
And Bisexual ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Practical Implications

In drawing from Herek’s (2007, 2009) sexual stigma and prejudice theory, the purpose of this study was to examine the relationship among prejudice toward sexual minority coaches, religious fundamentalism, sexism, and sexual prejudice and to determine whether race affected these relationships. The authors collected data from 238 parents. Results indicated that Asians expressed greater sexual prejudice than Latinos and Whites, while African Americans expressed more religious fundamentalism than did Whites. There were also differences in the associations among the variables. For African Americans, sexism held the strongest association with prejudice toward sexual minority coaches. While for Asians and Whites, religious fundamentalism held the strongest association, contact with lesbian and gay friends was a significant predictor of prejudice for Asians, but not for the other groups. For Latinos, both religious fundamentalism and sexism were associated with sexual prejudice. The authors discuss the results in terms of theoretical and practical implications.

scholarly journals Motivations for advance care and end-of-life planning among lesbian, gay, and bisexual older adults

2018 ◽  
Vol 18 (6) ◽  
pp. 1002-1016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kristie L Seelman ◽  
Terri Lewinson ◽  
Lily Engleman ◽  
Alex Allen
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
End Of Life ◽  
Life Planning ◽  
End Of Life Planning ◽  
Advance Care ◽  
And Bisexual

scholarly journals Exploring the Risk and Protective Factors for the Mental Health of Sexual Minority Asian Americans

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 624-624
Author(s):  
Jason Flatt ◽  
Rachel Whitmer ◽  
Paola Gilsanz
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Protective Factors ◽  
South Asian ◽  
Asian Americans ◽  
Asian American ◽  
Sexual Minority ◽  
Lesbian And Gay ◽  
Environment And Health

Abstract This study characterizes the mental health of Asian American older adults (aged 60+) who identify as sexual minorities (SM or lesbian, gay, bisexual) and compare to their non-Asian American and non-SM counterparts. Data were from the Research Program on Genes, Environment and Health (Aged 60+; N=185,478), a representative sample of healthcare members from Northern California. It includes SM (N=447) and heterosexual/non-SM (N=15,772) older adults who identify as Asian American (Chinese, Japanese, Filipino, and South Asian) and non-Asian American SM (N=3,890). Rates of dementia, anxiety, and PTSD were similar for both SM and non-SM Asian Americans. However, older lesbian and gay Asian Americans were more likely to have a depression diagnosis (30% vs. 18%, p=0.002) compared to non-SM. Overall, mental health outcomes were lower for Asian American SM compared to non-Asian American SM. We discuss need for understanding protective factors for mental health and implications for future interventions.

scholarly journals Sexual Identity Differences in Health Care Access and Satisfaction: Findings from Nationally Representative Data

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jessica N Fish ◽  
Rodman E Turpin ◽  
Natasha D Williams ◽  
Bradley O Boekeloo
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Sexual Identity ◽  
Sexual Minority ◽  
Health Care Access ◽  
Sexual Minorities ◽  
Care Utilization ◽  
Care Needs ◽  
Care Access ◽  
Nationally Representative ◽  
And Bisexual

Abstract Identification of barriers to adequate health care for sexual minority populations remains elusive as they are complex and variable across sexual orientation subgroups (e.g., gay, lesbian, bisexual). To address these complexities, we use a U.S. nationally representative sample of health care consumers to assess sexual identity differences in health care access and satisfaction. We conducted a secondary data analysis of 12 waves (2012-2018) of the biannual Consumer Survey of Health Care Access (n=30,548) to assess sexual identity differences in 6 health care access and 3 health care satisfaction indicators. Despite parity in health insurance coverage, sexual minorities – with some variation across sexual minority subgroups and sex – reported more chronic health conditions alongside restricted health care access and unmet health care needs. Gay/lesbian females had the lowest prevalence of health care utilization and higher prevalence rates of delaying needed health care and medical tests relative to heterosexual females. Gay/lesbian females and bisexual males were less likely than their heterosexual counterparts to be able to pay for needed health care services. Sexual minorities also reported less satisfactory experiences with medical providers. Examining barriers to health care among sexual minorities is critical to eliminating health disparities that disproportionately burden this population.

scholarly journals Workshop: Predictors and developmental timing of mental health problems among sexual minority individuals

2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (Supplement_4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Sexual Orientation ◽  
Social Anxiety ◽  
Sexual Minority ◽  
Sexual Minorities ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Poor Mental Health ◽  
Social Stressors

Abstract As consistently shown across studies from various parts of the world, sexual minority individuals (e.g., those identifying as lesbian, gay, and bisexual [LGB]) are significantly at a higher risk for depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts and behavior when compared to heterosexuals. The increased risk for poor mental health among sexual minority populations is believed to be a consequence of LGB individuals’ increased exposure to specific social stressors related to navigating a stigmatized minority identity. Studies trying to explain health inequalities based on sexual orientation have mainly focused on so-called minority stress processes, such as discrimination, internalized homophobia, expectations of rejection, and stress of concealing one’s sexual orientation. This workshop will give examples of studies from various European countries on mental health predictors and trajectories by using various approaches such as population-based sampling, longitudinal data collection, and comprehensive theoretical frameworks. Dr. Gemma Lewis (University College London, UK) will present results showing that sexual orientation-based disparities in mental health are present already in early adolescence and increase throughout the school years. Arjan van der Star (Karolinska Institutet, Sweden) will present population-based data suggesting that openness about sexual orientation is not directly linked to lower risk of depression among sexual minorities, but is instead dependent on access to social support. Conor Mahon (Dublin City University, Ireland) will present results showing minority stressors as predictors of social anxiety among sexual minority men. Associate professor John Pachankis (Yale University, USA) will present results showing that, in addition to increased exposure to social stressors, barriers to societal integration can partially explain the elevated risk of suicidality among sexual minorities. Key messages Sexual minorities are a higher risk of mental health problems, such as depression, social anxiety, and suicidality, as compared to heterosexuals and these disparities can be identified early in life. Sexual orientation-based mental health disparities seem to be based both on disproportionate stigma-related stress and a higher prevalence of general risk factors for poor mental health.

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