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Sperling D. Needs, Experiences, and Hopes for Aging Futures among Older Adults in the LGBTQ Communities: A Qualitative Study in Israel. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2024:10.1007/s10508-024-02938-x. [PMID: 39009741 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-024-02938-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2024] [Revised: 06/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/17/2024]
Abstract
Older lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, and queer (LGBTQ) individuals tend to live alone, mostly without children and with scarce support from nuclear family members or biological kin. Moreover, traditional resources may not suit their specific end-of-life care needs. While studies have examined these topics in general, they lack focus on end-of-life needs, care, and planning in Israel. Moreover, research on this topic among members of LGBTQ communities is specifically lacking. This study, therefore, aimed at identifying and understanding the attitudes, perceptions, and meanings of older LGBTQ individuals in Israel regarding their needs and challenges, as they age and near end of life. The phenomenological qualitative research methodology was applied, following the interpretive approach. Twenty-one middle-aged and older LGBTQ individuals in Israel, aged ≥ 55, participated in the study. In-depth semi-structured interviews, conducted from November 2020 to April 2021, were audio-recorded, transcribed, and de-identified. Five themes emerged from the interviews: (1) Experiences of loneliness, marginalization, and trauma, and coping through liberation; (2) ageism and exclusion of older adults; (3) elastic and challenging relationships; (4) end of life as reverting into the closet and heteronormativity; and (5) death as a source of generativity and creativity. The study demonstrates that loneliness is an existential experience, exacerbated by the intersectionality of LGBTQ communities. In turn, chosen family members play a minimal role in the end-of-life care of their loved ones. While conveying ambivalence toward social services and housing for the aging, participants in this study expressed fear of being discriminated against and having to re-enter the closet as they age. Ageism and end of life do not represent finality and extinction, yet instead, signify hope and revival. Following Sandberg and Marshall's (2017) concept of queering aging futures, this study refines our understanding of life courses, demonstrating that living and thriving in old age could be positive and desirable. As such, ageism and end of life do not necessarily represent finality and extinction, and may instead signify hope and revival. The unique challenges associated with family and social support of older adults who are LGBTQ members, and their implications on care, deserve further research and are important for practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Sperling
- The Cheryl Spencer Department of Nursing, University of Haifa, 199 Aba Khoushy Ave., Mount Carmel, 3498838, Haifa, Israel.
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Kitajima H, Sugisawa H. The Attitudes of Nursing Home Staff Toward Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Residents in Tokyo: A Vignette Survey. JOURNAL OF GERONTOLOGICAL SOCIAL WORK 2024; 67:130-142. [PMID: 37288808 DOI: 10.1080/01634372.2023.2223244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to elucidate the dimensions of reactions to lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) residents among staff of intensive-care nursing homes for older adults and the factors related to these dimensions. A questionnaire survey was administered by mail to the staff (n = 607) of 26 nursing homes in Tokyo whose directors agreed to cooperate. We used a vignette approach for the survey and asked the staff how they imagined the residents' wishes and their own reactions. Factor analysis revealed that the inferred wishes and reactions were two-dimensional: active reactions and restrictive reactions. In terms of factors related to each dimension, active reactions were significantly affected by recognition of the person's wishes, whereas restrictive reactions were significantly affected by unpleasant feelings toward gay people, attitudes toward gay people, and recognition of the person's wishes. This study suggests the need to develop an ability to understand the individual needs of LGB residents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiromi Kitajima
- Department of Health Science, Faculty of Sport Science, Nippon Sport Science University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hidehiro Sugisawa
- J. F. Oberlin University Graduate School of International Studies, Tokyo, Japan
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Torelli WRN, Bessa TAD, Graeff B. Prejudice against the older LGBTQIA+ population in Long-Term Care Facilities (LTC): a scoping review. CIENCIA & SAUDE COLETIVA 2023; 28:3123-3135. [PMID: 37970997 DOI: 10.1590/1413-812320232811.02132023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Among older people, LGBTQIA+ persons represent one of the groups most likely to depend on formal care services because of socio-economic vulnerability. However, the prejudice rooted in society, including health and social care professionals, result in a cis-heteronormative model of care delivery in Long-Term Care Facilities for older persons (LTC). The aim of this article is to investigate, describe and analyse the scientific production on prejudice against the older LGBTQIA+ population in LTC. Scoping review based on searches in the following databases: AgeLine, Portal de Periódicos CAPES, SciELO, Portal USP and HeinOnline. No time limit was set. Of the initial 642 articles, 31 were selected to comprise the sample. Four categories and 11 subcategories were identified. These covered agents, causes, effects, and solutions found in the research. The lack of preparation of the LTC staff and the history of prejudice during life leads the LGBTQIA+ community to fear institutionalisation, when the desire is to have a friendly or exclusive environment. Training of LTC staff is essential, in addition to the need to create legislation to protect this population based on local surveys.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wellington Ricardo Navarro Torelli
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Gerontologia da Escola de Artes e Humanidades, Universidade de São Paulo (EACH/USP). R. Arlindo Bettio 1000, Vila Guaraciaba. 03828-000 São Paulo SP Brasil.
| | - Thaíssa Araujo de Bessa
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Saúde Pública, Faculdade de Saúde Pública, USP. São Paulo SP Brasil
| | - Bibiana Graeff
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Gerontologia da Escola de Artes e Humanidades, Universidade de São Paulo (EACH/USP). R. Arlindo Bettio 1000, Vila Guaraciaba. 03828-000 São Paulo SP Brasil.
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Buczak-Stec E, König HH, Feddern L, Hajek A. Long-Term Care Preferences and Sexual Orientation-A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Am Med Dir Assoc 2023; 24:331-342.e1. [PMID: 36586720 DOI: 10.1016/j.jamda.2022.11.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2022] [Revised: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The number of sexual and gender minority older adults who require long-term care is steadily increasing. The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to synthesize the evidence related to preference for long-term care with regard to sexual orientation and gender identity. DESIGN Systematic review and meta-analysis. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS We searched PubMed/MEDLINE, Ovid/PsycINFO, and Web of Science from inception to July 2020 (updated in July 2021). Search terms embraced 3 themes (1) sexual and gender minorities, (2) long-term care, and (3) preferences. Quantitative studies of the adult population were included. METHODS Screening, data extraction, and quality assessment followed the National Institutes of Health Quality Assessment Tool for Observational Cohort and Cross-Sectional Studies. The proportions were pooled using meta-analysis and random effects models. RESULTS A total of 17 articles were included out of 5944 studies of potential relevance. The perception of nursing homes (NHs) that emerges from these studies is predominantly negative for heterosexuals and lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans (LGBT) individuals (n = 11). Across 6 studies (10 outcomes), the pooled estimate for the proportion of individuals with a preference to move into a NH was 10.6% [95% confidence interval (CI) 7.88%‒13.22%, I2 = 97.4%]; 13.7% (95% CI 8.6%‒18.7%) for LGBT individuals and 7.3% (95% CI 3.14%‒11.50%) for heterosexuals. LGBT-friendly NHs were preferred by between 55% and 98% of LGBT respondents. Informal care provided by partner or family was one of the preferred options (n = 6). It was preferred by 33% to 70% of various groups of LGBT respondents. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS The preference to move into a NH is relatively low among both heterosexuals and sexual and gender minority adults. Findings showed negligible differences in preferences to move into a NH between heterosexuals and sexual and gender minorities. LGBT-friendly long-term care facilities where every member feels welcomed and not discriminated against seem to be one of the favorable long-term care choices among LGBT individuals. This knowledge is important to inform nursing services and policy makers about the preferred long-term care options. Providing LGBT-friendly facilities is usually less expensive than providing care in newly created LGBT-only facilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elżbieta Buczak-Stec
- University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Department of Health Economics and Health Services Research; Hamburg Center for Health Economics; Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Hans-Helmut König
- University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Department of Health Economics and Health Services Research; Hamburg Center for Health Economics; Hamburg, Germany
| | - Lukas Feddern
- University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Department of Health Economics and Health Services Research; Hamburg Center for Health Economics; Hamburg, Germany
| | - André Hajek
- University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Department of Health Economics and Health Services Research; Hamburg Center for Health Economics; Hamburg, Germany
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Buczak-Stec E, König HH, Hajek A. Sexual Orientation and Psychosocial Factors in Terms of Loneliness and Subjective Well-Being in Later Life. THE GERONTOLOGIST 2023; 63:338-349. [PMID: 35724421 DOI: 10.1093/geront/gnac088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES The aim of our study was to fill the gap in knowledge regarding the association between sexual orientation and psychosocial outcomes (loneliness and subjective well-being) based on nationally representative samples. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Cross-sectional data collected in 2017 were taken from a nationally representative sample of individuals in the second half of life (>40 years) in Germany (n = 4,785, average age 66.4 years, standard deviation [SD]: 10.5 years). Outcomes were assessed using well-established tools (life satisfaction: Satisfaction with Life Scale; positive and negative affect: Positive and Negative Affect Schedule; loneliness: De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale). Sexual orientation was dichotomized (heterosexual; sexual minorities including gay/lesbian, bisexual, and other). Analyses were adjusted for socioeconomic factors, lifestyle-related factors, and health-related factors. RESULTS In total, around 7.8% of respondents belonged to sexual minorities. Adjusted for various several socioeconomic, lifestyle-related and health-related covariates, linear regressions showed that sexual minority older adults reported higher loneliness scores (β = 0.07, p < .05), whereas sexual orientation was not associated with subjective well-being (life satisfaction, as well as positive and negative affect). Furthermore, our analysis showed that gender, age, marital status, and depressive symptoms were consistently associated with loneliness and subjective well-being. DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATIONS In accordance with minority stress theory, our study showed that sexual minority older adults report higher loneliness scores. This finding is important as loneliness has become widely acknowledged as a new geriatric giant, which could increase, for example, the risk of morbidity and mortality. Moreover, reducing loneliness is important for successful aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elżbieta Buczak-Stec
- Department of Health Economics and Health Services Research, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg Center for Health Economics, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Hans-Helmut König
- Department of Health Economics and Health Services Research, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg Center for Health Economics, Hamburg, Germany
| | - André Hajek
- Department of Health Economics and Health Services Research, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg Center for Health Economics, Hamburg, Germany
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Buczak-Stec EW, Hajek A, Pabst A, Brettschneider C, van den Bussche H, Wiese B, Weyerer S, Werle J, Hoell A, Pentzek M, Fuchs A, Luppa M, Löbner M, Stein J, Förster F, Weeg D, Mösch E, Heser K, Scherer M, Maier W, Angermeyer MC, Wagner M, Riedel-Heller SG, König HH. Frequency and gender differences in the use of professional home care in late life. Findings from three German old-age cohorts. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:924818. [PMID: 36117967 PMCID: PMC9478461 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.924818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
AimThe aim of this study was to investigate the frequency of and the gender differences in the use of professional home care in Germany.MethodsWe used harmonized data from three large cohort studies from Germany (“Healthy Aging: Gender-specific trajectories into the latest life”; AgeDifferent.de Platform). Data were available for 5,393 older individuals (75 years and older). Mean age was 80.2 years (SD: 4.1 years), 66.6% were female. Professional homecare outcome variables were use of outpatient nursing care, paid household assistance, and meals on wheels' services. Logistic regression models were used, adjusting for important sociodemographic variables.ResultsAltogether 5.2% of older individuals used outpatient nursing care (6.2% women and 3.2% men; p < 0.001), 24.2% used paid household assistance (26.1% women and 20.5% men; p < 0.001) and 4.4% used meals on wheels' services (4.5% women and 4.0% men; p = 0.49). Regression analysis revealed that women had higher odds of using paid household assistance than men (OR = 1.48, 95% CI: [1.24–1.76]; p < 0.001), whereas they had lower odds of using meals on wheels' services (OR = 0.64, 95% CI: [0.42–0.97]; p < 0.05). No statistically significant differences in using outpatient nursing care between women and men were found (OR = 1.26, 95% CI: [0.87–1.81]; p = 0.225). Further, the use of home care was mainly associated with health-related variables (e.g., stroke, Parkinson's disease) and walking impairments.ConclusionsOur study showed that gender differences exist in using paid household assistance and in culinary dependency. For example, meals on wheels' services are of great importance (e.g., for individuals living alone or for individuals with low social support). Gender differences were not identified regarding outpatient nursing care. Use of professional home care services may contribute to maintaining autonomy and independence in old age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elżbieta W. Buczak-Stec
- Department of Health Economics and Health Services Research, Hamburg Center for Health Economics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- *Correspondence: Elżbieta W. Buczak-Stec
| | - André Hajek
- Department of Health Economics and Health Services Research, Hamburg Center for Health Economics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Alexander Pabst
- Institute of Social Medicine, Occupational Health and Public Health, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Christian Brettschneider
- Department of Health Economics and Health Services Research, Hamburg Center for Health Economics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Hendrik van den Bussche
- Department of General Practice and Primary Medical Care, Center for Psychosocial Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Birgitt Wiese
- Institute of General Practice, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Siegfried Weyerer
- Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim/Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Jochen Werle
- Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim/Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Andreas Hoell
- Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim/Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Michael Pentzek
- Institute of General Practice (ifam), Centre for Health and Society (chs), Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Angela Fuchs
- Institute of General Practice (ifam), Centre for Health and Society (chs), Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Melanie Luppa
- Institute of Social Medicine, Occupational Health and Public Health, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Margit Löbner
- Institute of Social Medicine, Occupational Health and Public Health, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Janine Stein
- Institute of Social Medicine, Occupational Health and Public Health, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Franziska Förster
- Institute of Social Medicine, Occupational Health and Public Health, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Dagmar Weeg
- Department of Psychiatry, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Edelgard Mösch
- Department of Psychiatry, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Kathrin Heser
- Department of Neurodegenerative Diseases and Geriatric Psychiatry, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Martin Scherer
- Department of General Practice and Primary Medical Care, Center for Psychosocial Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Maier
- Department of Neurodegenerative Diseases and Geriatric Psychiatry, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Bonn, Germany
| | | | - Michael Wagner
- Department of Neurodegenerative Diseases and Geriatric Psychiatry, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Bonn, Germany
| | - Steffi G. Riedel-Heller
- Institute of Social Medicine, Occupational Health and Public Health, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Hans-Helmut König
- Department of Health Economics and Health Services Research, Hamburg Center for Health Economics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
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Travers JL, Shippee TP, Flatt JD, Caceres BA. Functional Limitations and Access to Long-Term Services and Supports Among Sexual Minority Older Adults. J Appl Gerontol 2022; 41:2056-2062. [PMID: 35537185 DOI: 10.1177/07334648221099006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: Little is known about sexual minority (SM) older adults' activities of daily living (ADL) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) limitations and their subsequent access to long-term services and supports (LTSS). Methods: We analyzed cross-sectional data from the 2016 Health and Retirement Study limited to individuals ≥50 years old. Bivariate analyses were performed to examine 1) sexual identity differences in the prevalence of ADL/IADL limitations and 2) associations of sexual identity with having ADL/IADL limitations and having access to help with ADL/IADL limitations. Results: Our sample consisted of 3833 older adults, 6% (n = 213) were SM. Compared to heterosexual participants, bisexual older adults had greater reports of ADL/IADL limitations (20.9% vs. 35.9%, p = 0.013). Among those who reported having ADL/IADL limitations (n = 803), there were no sexual identity differences in accessing help for ADL/IADL limitations (p = .901). Discussion: Our findings contribute to the limited research on LTSS access among SM older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasmine L Travers
- 5894New York University Rory Meyers College of Nursing, New York, NY, USA
| | - Tetyana P Shippee
- 43353University of Minnesota School of Public Health, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Jason D Flatt
- 14722University of Nevada, Las Vegas, School of Public Health, Las Vegas, NV, USA
| | - Billy A Caceres
- 5798Columbia University School of Nursing, New York, NY, USA
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Clark N. Transitioning into care: moving into a care home. Age Ageing 2021; 50:684-686. [PMID: 33951157 DOI: 10.1093/ageing/afab017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Revised: 11/16/2019] [Accepted: 01/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Nancy Clark
- School of Allied and Public Health, Department of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Social Care, Canterbury Christ Church University, Canterbury, CT1 1QU, UK
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Long-Term Care Preferences and Sexual Orientation: Protocol for a Systematic Review. Healthcare (Basel) 2020; 8:healthcare8040572. [PMID: 33561043 PMCID: PMC7767185 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare8040572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2020] [Revised: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: With increasing age, the health status of older individuals commonly deteriorates and their care needs greatly increase. Therefore, many individuals are in need for formal or informal long-term care. In order to plan suitable long-term care settings, it is important to know the long-term care preferences of an ageing population (both heterosexuals and sexual minorities). The aim of this study is to systematically review the literature for evidence on preferences regarding long-term care and the potential differences with regard to sexual orientation. Methods and analysis: This study protocol for a systematic review is reported according to the PRISMA-P guidelines. A comprehensive search of published studies will be conducted using PubMed, Web of Science and PsycINFO bibliographic databases. Following predefined inclusion criteria, two authors will screen the titles and abstracts of the studies independently. Afterwards, we will obtain and screen full-text articles of eligible studies using the predefined inclusion criteria. Discrepancies will be resolved by consensus or consultation with a third researcher. Data will be extracted and synthesised. Extracted data will be categorised based on study design, type of long-term care preferences and the group (sexual orientation) which is addressed. The quality of reporting of the studies included will be assessed.
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