Happy Pride Month!! Pride month is more than just parades and parties. It’s also about understanding the unique experiences of different people within the LGBTQ+ community. Today, I want to talk about a group that doesn’t always get a lot of attention: older adults in the LGBTQ+ community.
A group of researchers at the University of Washington, Seattle, decided to take a closer look at the lives of LGBT adults who are 50 years old and older. They wanted to understand what factors affect their physical and mental health, and how they manage to age successfully despite the challenges they face.
What did they discover to be some of the secret ingredients for a better physical and mental health?
- having a strong social support system,
- a large social network,
- regular physical and leisure activities,
- not using substances,
- having a job,
- having a good income
Interestingly, the study also found that having a positive sense of their sexual identity was linked to better mental health. However, disclosing their sexual identity was associated with poorer mental health. This shows that coming out isn’t always easy, and it can sometimes have a negative impact on mental health.
So as we continue to celebrate Pride Month, let’s remember to support all members of the LGBTQ+ community. We must embrace and continue to support older adults who have paved the way for the rights and freedoms we enjoy today. They deserve our understanding, respect, and love.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health or substance abuse, help is available!
You can call or text 988 or
Chat with someone at 988lifeline.org
Reach out to us at VCS to talk to one of our therapists