Enjeux: relations sociales

This paper presents data from a small study exploring the impacts of homophobia on the lives of older lesbian and gay Australians. Eleven in-depth interviews were conducted with older lesbians (6) and gay men (5) ranging in age from 65 to 79 years. The study found that participants{’} sense of self was shaped by the dominant medical, legal and religious institutions of their youth that defined them as sick, immoral or criminal. Participants described enforced {\textquotedblleft}cure{\textquotedblright} therapies, being imprisoned, having employment terminated and being disowned and disinherited by family. In this context, intimate relationships and social networks provided refuge where trust was rebuilt and sexuality affirmed. Many created safe spaces for themselves. This equilibrium was threatened with increasing age, disability and the reliance on health and social services. Participants feared a return to institutional control and a need to {\textquotedblleft}straighten up{\textquotedblright} or hide their sexuality. In response, partners stepped into the role of caregiver, at times beyond their capacity and at a cost to their relationship. The study describes the importance of understanding social connections in the lives of older lesbians and gay men. It highlights the need for inclusive services to ensure that social networks are supported and that health and well-being are promoted.

Research on service needs among older adults rarely addresses the special circumstances of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) individuals, such as their reliance on friend-centered social networks or the experience of discrimination from service providers. Limited data suggests that older LGBT adults underuti- lize health and social services that are important in maintaining independence and quality of life. This study explored the social care networks of this population using a mixed-methods approach. Data were obtained from 210 LGBT older adults. The average age was 60 years, and 71% were men, 24% were women, and 5% were transgender or intersex. One-third was Black, and 62% were Caucasian. Quantitative assessments found high levels of morbidity and friend-centered support networks. Need for and use of services was frequently reported. Content analysis revealed unmet needs for basic supports, including housing, economic supports, and help with entitlements. Limited opportunities for socialization were strongly expressed, particularly among older lesbians. Implications for senior programs and policies are discussed.

The concept of social capital is widely used in the social sciences and has, to an extent, been applied to the lives and social networks of older lesbian, gay and bisexual (hereafter LGB) adults. Developing existing research, this paper argues that while not without its problems, the concept of social capital enriches our understanding of these networks, whilst simultaneously deconstructing the negative stereotypes surrounding homosexuality in later life. However, little attention has been paid to the social factors that mediate access and participation in lesbian and gay communities and the implications of this on the quality and experience of later life. Drawing on qualitative research conducted in the United Kingdom, this paper illustrates how biography, gender and socio-economic status are significant mediators in the development and maintenance of social capital by older LGB adults. It concludes with a set of recommendations aimed at improving the social capital of older LGB adults, together with the importance of {‘}queering{’} the concept itself.

Purpose: This study examines global social networks{—}including friendship, support, and acquaintance networks{—}of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and trans- gender (LGBT) older adults. Design and Methods: Utilizing data from a large community-based study, we employ multiple regression analyses to examine correlates of social network size and diversity. Results: Controlling for background characteristics, network size was positively associated with being female, transgender identity, employment, higher income, having a partner or a child, identity disclosure to a neighbor, engagement in religious activities, and service use. Controlling in addition for network size, network diversity was positively associated with younger age, being female, trans- gender identity, identity disclosure to a friend, religious activity, and service use. Implications: According to social capital theory, social networks provide a vehicle for social resources that can be beneficial for successful aging and well-being. This study is a first step at understanding the correlates of social network size and diversity among LGBT older adults.

Loneliness is a phenomenon which affects people globally and constitutes a key social issue of our time. Yet few studies have considered the nature of loneliness and social support for older lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) people; this is of particular concern as they are among the social groups said to be at greater risk. The paper aims to discuss this issue.,Peer-reviewed literature was identified through a search of Scopus, PsycINFO and PubMed. A total of 2,277 papers were retrieved including qualitative and quantitative studies which were quality assessed using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme.,In total, 11 papers were included in the review and findings were synthesised using thematic analysis. The studies were conducted in five countries worldwide with a combined sample size of 53,332 participants, of whom 4,288 were drawn from among LGB communities. The characteristics and circumstances associated with loneliness including living arrangements, housing tenure, minority stress and geographical proximity.,The review suggests that among older LGB people, living alone, not being partnered and being childfree may increase the risk of loneliness. This cohort of older people may experience greater difficulties in building relationships of trust and openness. They may also have relied on sources of identity-based social support that are in steep decline. Future research should include implementation studies to evaluate effective strategies in reducing loneliness among older LGB people.,Reaching older LGB people who are vulnerable due to physical mobility or rural isolation and loneliness because of bereavement or being a carer is a concern. A range of interventions including individual (befriending), group-based (for social contact) in addition to potential benefits from the Internet of Things should be evaluated. Discussions with the VCS suggest that take up of existing provision is 85:15 GB men vs LB women.,Formal social support structures which were provided by voluntary sector agencies have been disproportionately affected by recent austerity measures.,The authors sought to interrogate the tension between findings of lower levels of social support and discourses of resilient care offered by families of choice.

This study examined mental and physical health, per- ceived social support, and experiences with HIV/AIDS of 416 lesbian, gay, and bisexual adults aged 60 to 91. Most participants reported fairly high levels of self-esteem; however, many experienced loneliness. Most also reported low levels of internalized homophobia, but men reported significantly higher levels than women did. Ten percent of respondents sometimes or often considered suicide, with men reporting significantly more suicidal thoughts related to their sexual orientation. Men also had significantly higher drinking scores than women, and more men could be classified as problem drinkers. Only 11% of the respondents said that their health status interfered with the things they wanted to do. Although 93% of the participants knew people diagnosed with HIV/AIDS, 90% said that they were unlikely to be HIV-infected. Participants averaged six people in their support networks, most of whom were close friends. Most support network members knew about the participants{’} sexual ori- entation, and the respondents were more satisfied with support from those who knew. Those living with domestic partners were less lonely and rated their physical and mental health more positively than those living alone

Background: Living alone is a risk factor for depressive symptoms among older adults, although it is unclear if it is a risk factor for older gay men. A sense of belonging to the gay community is protective and might compensate for living alone. This research investigated whether a sense of belonging with gay friends weakened the relationship between living alone and depressive symptoms among older gay men. Methods: A community sample of 160 Australian gay men aged 65{–}92 years completed the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale and two visual analogue scales assessing a sense of belonging with gay friends. Results: Results supported the moderation model, with increasing levels of belonging with gay friends weakening the relationship between living alone and depressive symptoms. Conclusion: Results imply that enhancing a sense of belonging with gay friends among older gay men who live alone is likely to be a protective factor in relation to depressive symptoms.

This qualitative study explores the social lives of older gay men. In-depth interviews were conducted with 10 gay men over the age of 65 to elicit details about their relationships with other people. Findings paint a complex picture of older gay social life that is compounded by significant events affect- ing gay men from a particular socio-historical period. Three overarching themes emerged that capture the social lives of the participants: (1) coming of age as a gay man in the 20th century; (2) dealing with the aging body; and (3) enduring loss and the consequent impact on social life. The participants reported that being in a gay environment and closing the gay generational divide helped them adjust to their changing social lives in later life. This study adds to the ongoing discus- sion about the experiences of older gay men and makes suggestions for future research and practice considerations.

We evaluate the association between emotional and instrumen- tal support and perceived health and depression symptoms in a sample of 182 gay/bisexual men age $\ge$ 55. Perceived health was positively correlated with number of sources of emotional sup- port and depression was negatively associated with instrumental support and health care providers{’} knowledge of patients{’} sexual orientation. Depression mediates the connection between providers{’} knowledge of patients{’} sexual orientation and perceived health. Number of sources of emotional support varied negatively with age and ethnic minority status, and positively with living with a part- ner. Instrumental support seemed to be dependent on living with a partner.

Les résultats d{’}enquêtes menées en Allemagne sur la sexualité et la conjugalité chez les personnes âgées montrent que, quelle que soit l{’}orientation sexuelle, les variations de l{’}activité sexuelle sont bien plus liées au statut conjugal qu{’}à l{’}âge. 50% des hommes et femmes de soixante ans qui se déclarent en couple disent avoir une activité sexuelle élevée ! Aussi, c{’}est avant tout la perte du partenaire (mort, séparation) qui est le facteur principal empêchant les personnes âgées de continuer à avoir des relations sexuelles (72% des célibataires de 60 ans disent n{’}avoir plus eu de relations sexuelles depuis un an). Or, que ces personnes soient en couple ou célibataires, ils et elles considèrent que la sexualité est quelque chose d{’}important qui participe de la bonne santé individuelle et de celle d{’}un couple. Cependant, en Allemagne comme en France, hommes et femmes ne sont pas égaux sur le marché de la sexualité, ni sur celui du couple et encore moins sur celui de la rencontre… Et les choses semblent encore se complexifier lorsque l{’}on est gay ou lesbienne et âgé-e. En croisant les résultats d{’}enquêtes menées auprès de personnes hétérosexuelles et de personnes homosexuelles, il est possible de voir qu{’}en vieillissant les aspirations ne sont pas les mêmes selon que l{’}on est homme ou femmes, hétéro ou homo. Cependant, une chose semble commune à tous, avec l{’}âge être en couple est un plus, le ou la partenaire devenant la ressource sociale la plus importante (suivi des enfants et petits-enfants) et cela quelle que soit l{’}orientation sexuelle.