LGBQ Older Adults and Health

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and queer (LGBQ) people, particularly those who are older in age, continue to face a plethora of health disparity issues. The 2015 Supreme Court landmark decision in Obergefell v. Hodges legalized same-sex marriages in the United States, yet it is not clear how this watershed moment will affect those who have lived for years in nontraditional marriage arrangements, particularly those who are older. A paucity of research addressing the health and aging needs of LGBQ older adults currently prevents full exploration of this underserved population. The Institute of Medicine’s 2011 Report on LGBTQ Health identifies the need for more research among this population, which faces a multitude of risk environments.

This entry examines the health of sexual minority populations who are 50 years ...