Ninth International Conference on Communication & Media Studies

Abstract

Older adults who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or another gender and/or sexual minority (LGBTQ+) face high rates of social isolation, which can lead to an array of negative mental, emotional, and physical outcomes. Social connections, including those facilitated by technology, can mitigate such problems, but many of the limited studies on older adults’ use of digital platforms emphasize risks rather than potential benefits. This deficit-based perspective overlooks the capacity of older LGBTQ+ adults and fails to recognize the liberatory power of platforms, affordances, and artificial intelligence in helping this population overcome potential challenges. This study investigates the socio-technical and health needs of older LGBTQ+ adults in Canada and examines how their social connections have been facilitated and/or challenged by digital technologies. In this session, we present findings from 4 focus groups with older LGBTQ+ adults and a mixed-methods survey of 300 older LGBTQ+ adults. Although technology operated a double-edged sword that helped connect some people while excluding others, older LGBTQ+ adults tried to leverage the affordances of digital platforms to preserve queer culture and community. Addressing the socio-technical needs of this population requires promoting digital literacy, challenging ageist stereotypes, and fostering community building, including among older LGBTQ+ adults and across generations of LGBTQ+ people. By harnessing resilience and advocating for more inclusive tech policies and practices, we foster digital environments that empower older 2SLGBTQ+ adults and encourage ageing with pride.