Abstract
This qualitative study investigated the impact of the perceived value of participating in a coffee group gathering in the lives of an older adult LGBTQ+ population using a community-based participatory research (CBPR) approach. In collaboration with community center leaders, group facilitators, coffee group members, and academic researchers from three institutions, the study sought to understand the group’s value to its participants. Focus groups conducted in two locations identified five central themes: Safety & Healing, Filling a Void, Overcoming the Sense of Diminishment, Lived Experience, and Social Empowerment. These themes highlight how the gatherings fostered a sense of safety, healing, and helped fill a social void. They also provided insights into how participants overcome feelings of social diminishment. Importantly, the study reveals that these meetings significantly enhanced feelings of connection, validation, and empowerment among the members, addressing critical issues of exclusion and unmet social needs. The findings underscore the importance of such community gatherings in enhancing the quality of life and social integration for older LGBTQ+ adults.
Presenters
Richard GinnettiAssistant Professor, School of Health and Human Services/Healthcare Administration, University of North Carolina Wilmington, Michigan, United States
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
Social and Cultural Perspectives on Aging
KEYWORDS
LGBTQ Older Adults, Social Support Group, Social Empowerment, Lived Experience
