The Aging Experiences of LGBTQ Ethnic Minority Older Adults: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Background and Objectives

In gerontological research and practice, an increasing amount of attention is being paid to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) older people and how their experiences differ from their heterosexual and cisgender counterparts. However, LGBTQ older adults themselves are not a homogenous group. Moreover, as the immigrant populations in industrialized nations age, the number of LGBTQ older adults from ethnic minority backgrounds will only grow. This systematic review hence investigates the experiences of LGBTQ ethnic minority older adults.

Research Design and Methods

Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines, we conducted a systematic search in 5 databases for English peer-reviewed studies. The retrieved articles were coded and analyzed inductively using an intersectional framework to tease out the varying influences of ethnicity, age, gender, and sexual identity on the LGBTQ ethnic minority older adults’ experiences.

Results

A total of 30 articles across 21 studies (13 qualitative, 7 quantitative, and 1 mixed-methods) were identified. Six key themes emerged from the studies: stigma and discrimination; isolation, support and belonging; interactions with services and institutions; self-acceptance, resilience, and agency; mental health and well-being; and uncertain futures.

Discussion and Implications

The experiences of LGBTQ ethnic minority older adults echo those of LGBTQ ethnic majority older adults when they are shaped by gender and sexual identity factors. Nevertheless, significant differences in experiences—both positive and negative—emerge when cultural and ethnicity-related factors come to the fore. These findings emphasize the need for intersectional aging policies and services that go beyond catering for LGBTQ older adults to include the diversity within this subpopulation.