Full Citation
Title: The Science of Conducting Research With LGBT Older Adults - An Introduction to Aging with Pride: National Health, Aging, and Sexuality/Gender Study (NHAS)
Citation Type: Journal Article
Publication Year: 2017
ISBN:
ISSN:
DOI:
NSFID:
PMCID:
PMID:
Abstract: The landscape of gerontological research, practice, and policy is shifting as the U.S. older adult population becomes increasingly diverse, including by sexual orientation and gender identity and expression. By harmonizing available data across population-based studies (e.g., California Health Interview Survey, 2014; Gates & Newport, 2012; Massachusetts Department of Public Health, 2014; Washington State Department of Health, 2014), we estimate that 2.4% of older adults in the United States currently self-identify as LGBT, accounting for 2.7 million adults aged 50 and older, including 1.1 million aged 65 and older. The population will increase dramatically over the next few decades given the significant aging of the population (U.S. Census Bureau, 2014); by 2060 the number of adults aged 50 and older who self-identify as LGBT will likely more than double to over five million. Recent U.S. population-based data have also shown that many individuals who do not identify as a sexual or gender minority report same-sex sexual behavior or attraction. In one recent study, for example, while just more than 5% of Americans aged 1844 self-identified as lesbian, gay, or bisexual, 12% had engaged in same-sex sexual behavior (men who had sex with men, and women who had sex with women), and 13% were sexually attracted to members of the same sex (Copen, Chandra, & Febo-Vazquez, 2016). Thus, the total number of older adults who self-identify as LGBT, have engaged in same-sex sexual behavior or romantic relationships, and/or are attracted to members of the same sex is estimated to increase to more than 20 million by 2060.
User Submitted?: No
Authors: Fredriksen-Goldsen, Karen I; Kim, Hyun-Jun
Periodical (Full): The Gerontologist
Issue: S1
Volume: 57
Pages:
Data Collections: IPUMS USA
Topics: Gender, Methodology and Data Collection
Countries: