Comparing supports for LGBT aging in rural versus urban areas

J Gerontol Soc Work. 2013;56(2):112-26. doi: 10.1080/01634372.2012.747580.

Abstract

Studies of rural populations typically underrepresent lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) older adults. This secondary analysis examined data from a nationwide sample of LGBT baby boomers (n = 1201). Geographic differences with respect to self-reported outness, acceptance of sexual identity, social and familial support, and household income were assessed with one-way analyses of variance. Guardedness about one's sexual identity and household asset levels were assessed with chi-square analyses. Rural individuals reported lower levels of outness, guardedness with people including siblings and close friends, and lower levels of household income. Providers should consider strategies for connecting older rural LGBT adults for potential care and support.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Bisexuality* / psychology
  • Bisexuality* / statistics & numerical data
  • Chi-Square Distribution
  • Demography
  • Female
  • Gender Identity
  • Health Services Needs and Demand
  • Health Services for Transgender Persons / organization & administration*
  • Health Services for the Aged / organization & administration*
  • Homosexuality* / psychology
  • Homosexuality* / statistics & numerical data
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Population Growth
  • Rural Population / statistics & numerical data*
  • Self Report
  • Social Support
  • Socioeconomic Factors
  • Transgender Persons* / psychology
  • Transgender Persons* / statistics & numerical data
  • United States
  • Urban Population / statistics & numerical data*