Social Networks of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Older Adults

Overview

Journal Res Aging

Specialty Geriatrics

Date 2015 Apr 18

PMID 25882129

Citations 33

Authors

Elena A Erosheva

Hyun-Jun Kim

Charles Emlet

Karen I Fredriksen-Goldsen

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Purpose: This study examines global social networks-including friendship, support, and acquaintance networks-of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) older adults.

Design And Methods: Utilizing data from a large community-based study, we employ multiple regression analyses to examine correlates of social network size and diversity.

Results: Controlling for background characteristics, network size was positively associated with being female, transgender identity, employment, higher income, having a partner or a child, identity disclosure to a neighbor, engagement in religious activities, and service use. Controlling in addition for network size, network diversity was positively associated with younger age, being female, transgender identity, identity disclosure to a friend, religious activity, and service use.

Implications: According to social capital theory, social networks provide a vehicle for social resources that can be beneficial for successful aging and well-being. This study is a first step at understanding the correlates of social network size and diversity among LGBT older adults.

Citing Articles

Social networks and loneliness differ between LGBTIA and cis-heterosexual persons: results from a two-wave survey in Germany.

Oeser P, Wellendorff T, Napierala H, Bolster M, Gellert P, Herrmann W Sci Rep. 2025; 15(1):8061.

PMID: 40055453 PMC: 11889243. DOI: 10.1038/s41598-025-92021-9.

Multidimensional social connectedness of sexual and gender minority midlife and older adults: Findings from the National Health, Aging, and Sexuality/Gender Study (NHAS).

Kim H, Romanelli M, Fredriksen-Goldsen K Am J Orthopsychiatry. 2024; 94(3):322-338.

PMID: 38300585 PMC: 11149496. DOI: 10.1037/ort0000726.

Making Home: The Role of Social Networks on Identity, Health, and Quality of Life Among Rural Lesbian and Gay Older Adults.

Guest M, Hunter E, Schoenberg N Innov Aging. 2023; 7(7):igad082.

PMID: 37727599 PMC: 10506171. DOI: 10.1093/geroni/igad082.

The association between religiosity and resilience among young trans women.

Wang J, McFarland W, Arayasirikul S, Wilson E PLoS One. 2023; 18(7):e0263492.

PMID: 37523378 PMC: 10389706. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0263492.

Examining differential success in recruitment using respondent driven sampling (RDS) in a multi-site study of gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men.

Sang J, Gholamian B, Wang L, Barath J, Noor S, Lachowsky N BMC Med Res Methodol. 2023; 23(1):136.

PMID: 37296373 PMC: 10251682. DOI: 10.1186/s12874-023-01886-9.

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