LGBT seniors more likely to be poor, isolated

By Ruth Schneider, 365gay.com
03.25.2010 11:00am EDT

A new report from Movement Advancement Project sheds light on stereotypes of senior members of the LGBT community.

The report finds “LGBT elders are more likely to live in poverty, face social and community isolation, and lack appropriate health care and long-term care” according to a news release on the group’s Web site.

The report, called the first major collaboration between LGBT groups and advocates of the elderly, provides a road map for advocates to help seniors age. The report includes input from Services & Advocacy for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual & Transgender Elders, American Society on Aging, National Senior Citizens Law Center, Center for American Progress and AARP.

“Most Americans already face challenges as they age, but LGBT older adults have the added burden of a lifetime of stigma; familial relationships that generally lack legal recognition under the law; and unequal treatment under laws, programs and services designed to support and protect older Americans,” the release said.