Old age from the perspective of LGBTQ+ and heterosexual young: A comparative study

Abstract

Background:

In today’s world, the challenges and achievements of LGBTQ+’s throughout their lives are increasingly gaining attention. However, the specific needs of LGBTQ+’s in the aging process and potential challenges they might face during this period are often overlooked.

Aims:

This study aims to demonstrate LGBTQ+’s and heterosexual young’s perspectives on old age.

Method:

This descriptive, cross-sectional comparative study collected data from 230 LGBTQ+ and 201 heterosexual individuals. Data were collected using a digital survey comprising an 8-item Personal Information Form and a 17-item Questionnaire for Opinions Regarding Old Age.

Results:

Compared to others, LGBTQ+’s consider old age to be a more problematic period. In this study, it was determined that LGBTQ+’s perceive old age as a bigger problem compared to those in the heterosexual group. It was determined that the possible difficulties that LGBTQ+’s expect to face in old age are mostly related to basic needs such as the need for care and lack of social support. In the heterosexual group, concerns about age-related physical changes such as loss of youth were observed more frequently.

Conclusion:

It is recommended that studies to be conducted and services to be offered in this area should be of nature that would ensure safety of LGBTQ+’s, protect their basic humanitarian rights and respond to their needs.

Keywords

Sexual and gender minorities heterosexuality gerontology aging older adults

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