Aging

LGBT seniors face unique challenges as they age. For too many health care and social service providers, it never occurs to them that their senior clients may be lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender, and they may not provide services in a culturally competent way. LGBT seniors worry whether they will be discriminated against when they seek medical care or housing in retirement, assisted living, or residential care facilities.

LGBT seniors also face many of the same challenges as heterosexual seniors, such as grief from the loss of a partner, declining health, and social isolation. However, compared to heterosexual seniors, LGBT seniors are more likely to live in poverty, more likely to live alone, and more likely not to have children to provide support and care.

Our senior years should be our golden years. Equal Rights Washington is committed to ensuring that the LGBT community—and our larger society—provide equal care and respect for our LGBT elders.