The Physical and Mental Health of Lesbian, Gay Male, and Bisexual (LGB) Older Adults

The Role of Key Health Indicators and Risk and Protective Factors

Bibliographic Data

ID23381908
AuthorsKaren Fredriksen Goldsen (0000-0002-7846-349X, University of Washington, corresponding author), K I Fredriksen-Goldsen, Charles A Emlet (0000-0002-4992-2669, University of Washington Tacoma), H-J Kim (0000-0003-0303-863X), Anna Muraco (0000-0002-2022-3725, Loyola Marymount University), ELENA A EROSHEVA (0000-0003-2162-0017, University of Washington), Jayn Goldsen (University of Washington), Charles P Hoy‐elli (0000-0003-3423-1651, University of Washington), C P Hoy-Ellis
Year2013
Volume53
Issue4
Pages664-675
Publication date2013-08-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueThe Gerontologist (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0016-9013 • E-ISSN: 1758-5341
PublisherOxford University Press (OUP) (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1093/geront/gns123
PMID23034470
PMCIDPMC3709843
OpenAlexW2133780961
LanguageEN
Citations received156
References cited39

PURPOSE: Based on resilience theory, this paper investigates the influence of key health indicators and risk and protective factors on health outcomes (including general health, disability, and depression) among lesbian, gay male, and bisexual (LGB) older adults. DESIGN AND METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted with LGB older adults, aged 50 and older (N = 2,439). Logistic regressions were conducted to examine the contributions of key health indicators (access to health care and health behaviors), risk factors (lifetime victimization, internalized stigma, and sexual identity concealment), and protective factors (social support and social network size) to health outcomes, when controlling for background characteristics. RESULTS: The findings revealed that lifetime victimization, financial barriers to health care, obesity, and limited physical activity independently and significantly accounted for poor general health, disability, and depression among LGB older adults. Internalized stigma was also a significant predictor of disability and depression. Social support and social network size served as protective factors, decreasing the odds of poor general health, disability, and depression. Some distinct differences by gender and sexual orientation were also observed. IMPLICATIONS: High levels of poor general health, disability, and depression among LGB older adults are of major concern. These findings highlight the important role of key risk and protective factors, which significantly influences health outcomes among LGB older adults. Tailored interventions must be developed to address the distinct health issues facing this historically disadvantaged population.

Environmental health · Health equity · Lesbian · Mental health · Population · Psychiatry · Psychological intervention · Public health · Sexual minority · Sexual orientation · Social determinants of health · Social support · African Sexualities and LGBTQ+ Issues · HIV/AIDS Research and Interventions · LGBTQ Health, Identity, and Policy · Medicine · Psychology · Social Psychology · Gerontology