|
Information for the Over 40 Crowd
|
Gay & Lesbian Aging
by Doreen E. Fiorillo
I recently spent time researching information on various aspects of gay and lesbian aging. The information is scarce, mostly, because many of our elders remain closeted. However, it is estimated ,that in the next 25 years, there will be 4-6 million of us in the nation. Currently, there is somewhere in the neighborhood of 1-3 million GLBT seniors age 65 or older.
Invisibility is the common thread that precludes an accurate census of our aging community. Many GLBT individuals in this age group remain fearful of homophobic repercussions that can result from being out to caregivers and social service providers on whom they depend.
Consider for a moment what your life will be like in twenty or thirty years from now. The list of facts below will help you visualize your future if conditions do not change.
Facts
GLBT seniors are more likely to face poverty and economic insecurity because of income discrimination and lack of legal recognition of our partnerships.
Medicare regulations protect the assets of married heterosexuals when one partner is admitted to a nursing or long term care facility. This is not a privilege that our seniors are granted.
Pensions and 401K plans cannot be accessed by surviving partners.
Social Security benefits of the deceased partner are not available to the surviving partner.
Seventy-five percent of GLBT seniors live alone.
Ninety percent of them have no children.
Great percentages are estranged from their families of origin.
Many have no idea who will provide care for them if they can no longer care for themselves.
Lack of health care coverage for many compounds concerns about disability or long- term care.
They are denied the choice to live together in a nursing home.
Disease prevention strategies often ignore older GLBT persons.
Despite all of the above issues, there is significant evidence that a single factor can influence or define the experience of aging for most GLBT seniors. Connection, involvement and support by the GLBT community at large can be an essential component for a positive aging experience.
Unfortunately, our community media and activists often overlook or ignore the concerns and the issues that challenge our aging population. Many of our social institutions are age-segregated and our language degrades the older population. This insensitivity is often fear driven because we do not want to acknowledge that one day we will be vulnerable too.
Until we overcome our fears and acknowledge that we all will grow older, we waste precious time to make the changes that are necessary to improve the experience of aging for ourselves and others. Fortunately, there are strides being made in that direction to serve the 15,000 or more GLBT Senior in Broward County.
|
Couples National Network
|
Build strong relationships now! Contact the Couples National Network for more information. GO TO LINKS PAGE to connect.
|
|
