Abstract

This paper discusses a review of the literature on how gender and sexuality impact healthy aging in relation to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) seniors. Despite the recognition of the importance of gender and sexuality in relation to health outcomes, the health needs of LGBT seniors have largely been ignored by health policy and program developers and are rarely considered within the scope of practice of many health care professionals. Recent research in the area of LGBT seniors and health care has established the need for greater inclusivity and diversity education among health care workers. While many seniors are comfortable with their sexuality later in life, others may be unable or unwilling to disclose their sexual orientation due to fear of homophobic reactions (Brotman, Ryan, & Cormier, 2003). This review of the literature frames further investigation into the experiences of LGBT seniors and the challenges for caregivers as essential to producing more effective health promotion policies and programs.