End-of-Life Preparations Among LGBT Older Canadian Adults: The Missing Conversations. (June 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: de Vries, Brian; Gutman, Gloria; Humble, Áine; Gahagan, Jacqueline; Chamberland, Line; Aubert, Patrick; Fast, Janet; Mock, Steven
• Other Names: Goldsen Karen Fredriksen guest-editor.; de Vries Brian guest-editor.
• Is Part Of: International journal of aging and human development. Volume 88:Number 4(2019)
• Page Start: 358
• Page End: 379
• Publication Date: 2019-06
• Subjects: end of life -- LGBT -- focus group -- informal care -- diversity; Older people -- Periodicals; Aging -- Psychological aspects -- Periodicals; Aging -- Social aspects -- Periodicals; Gerontology -- Periodicals; Aging -- Periodicals; 305.26
• DOI: 10.1177/0091415019836738
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0091-4150

Abstract

LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender) older adults are more likely than their heterosexual peers to age with limited support in stigmatizing environments often poorly served by traditional social services challenging their preparedness for end of life. Fourteen focus groups and three individual interviews were conducted in five Canadian cities with gay/bisexual men (5 groups; 40 participants), lesbian/bisexual women (5 groups; 29 participants), and transgender persons (3 interviews, 4 groups; 24 participants). Four superordinate themes were identified: (a) motivators and obstacles, (b) relationship concerns, (c) dynamics of LGBT culture and lives, and (d) institutional concerns. Several pressing issues emerged including depression and isolation (more common among gay and bisexual men), financial/class issues (lesbian and bisexual women), and uncomfortable interactions with health-care providers (transgender participants). These findings highlight the challenges and complexities in end-of-life preparation within LGBT communities.