Furthermore, studies have supported the notion that many LGBT individuals are identified to be living alone, without a partner or without children compared to their heterosexual counterparts (Blank et al., 2009). However, studies also suggest that these individuals who have identified that they live alone, may actually have partners or be in a relationship with someone who lives separately from them (Addis et al., 2009). In a study examining the health of older gay, lesbian and bisexual adults, Wallace et al. (2011) found that about half of the participants in the study reported living alone. Therefore, it becomes crucial to understanding LGBT individual’s own experience in regards to independent living and engaging in intimate relationships
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As adults age, they require care and the support of the community that surrounds them, and retirement and health care facilities become incredibly important. Croghan et al. (2014) highlight the lack of appropriate medical services with professional staff that have the knowledge and training to be sensitive to LGBT individuals’ needs. An overview of studies that assessed for professional understanding of geriatric LGBT-specific issues suggested that there are only a handful of individuals who are professionally trained in the medical field to provide appropriate care (Croghan et al., 2014). De Vrie’s (2006) review of several LGBT communities in different parts of the U.S. and Canada yielded results in which not only LGBT individuals felt that they needed to hide their sexual orientation for fear of discrimination, but that non LGBT individuals were also skeptical about the level of professional help available uniquely to LGBT …show more content…
Simultaneously, de Vries (2014) suggested that the stigma experienced by LGBT elders can help increase their sense of resiliency and advocacy for younger generations. In addition, openly gay, lesbian and bisexual individuals could possess strengths by having access to their own unique services, including support groups and networks offered by the LGBT communities exclusively, that may help them with the inevitable stressors that will emerge during the aging period (Meyer, Ouellette, Haile, & Mcfarlane 2011). According to Meyer et al. (2011), LGBT older individuals have felt that their advocacy for themselves and in their community has created a sense of purpose and meaning, as a result, enriching their lives and sense of personal
As adults age, they require care and the support of the community that surrounds them, and retirement and health care facilities become incredibly important. Croghan et al. (2014) highlight the lack of appropriate medical services with professional staff that have the knowledge and training to be sensitive to LGBT individuals’ needs. An overview of studies that assessed for professional understanding of geriatric LGBT-specific issues suggested that there are only a handful of individuals who are professionally trained in the medical field to provide appropriate care (Croghan et al., 2014). De Vrie’s (2006) review of several LGBT communities in different parts of the U.S. and Canada yielded results in which not only LGBT individuals felt that they needed to hide their sexual orientation for fear of discrimination, but that non LGBT individuals were also skeptical about the level of professional help available uniquely to LGBT …show more content…
Simultaneously, de Vries (2014) suggested that the stigma experienced by LGBT elders can help increase their sense of resiliency and advocacy for younger generations. In addition, openly gay, lesbian and bisexual individuals could possess strengths by having access to their own unique services, including support groups and networks offered by the LGBT communities exclusively, that may help them with the inevitable stressors that will emerge during the aging period (Meyer, Ouellette, Haile, & Mcfarlane 2011). According to Meyer et al. (2011), LGBT older individuals have felt that their advocacy for themselves and in their community has created a sense of purpose and meaning, as a result, enriching their lives and sense of personal