What Is Successful Aging in Lesbian and Bisexual Women? Application of the Aging-Well Model

Overview

Journal J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci

Specialties Geriatrics
Psychology
Social Sciences

Date 2020 Aug 23

PMID 32827215

Citations 1

Authors

Jennifer M Jabson Tree

Joanne G Patterson

Daniel P Beavers

Deborah J Bowen

Affiliations

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Abstract

Objectives: Most evidence concerning aging ignores women's sexual orientation, yet sexual orientation-related discrimination across the life course may influence older lesbian and bisexual women's risk for poorer health. Understanding aging-well in this group is vital to development, testing, and implementation of evidence-based health promotion programming and services for aging sexual minority women.

Method: Data were from the Women's Health Initiative (N = 15,691; heterosexual n = 15,002, lesbian n = 440, bisexual n = 249) extension study. Multivariable linear and logistic regression tested associations between sexual orientation and indicators of successful, effective, and optimal aging-well in age-stratified groups of women (60-74 and 75+).

Results: Lesbians aged 60-74 were more likely (odds ratio [OR] 1.59, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.16, 2.18) to report good self-mastery, more social support (b = 2.92, 95% CI, 1.99, 3.85), and greater likelihood of enjoying life (OR 1.46, 95% CI 1.06, 2.01) compared with heterosexual women. Bisexual women aged 75+ reported increased personal growth (b = 1.09, 95% CI 0.23, 1.95) compared to heterosexuals. While lesbians aged 75+ had greater likelihood of living in a nursing home (OR 1.96; 95% CI 1.01, 3.82) and were less likely to be happy at least most of the time (OR 0.68, 95% CI 0.49, 0.99), they reported greater self-mastery (OR 1.55; 95% CI 1.06, 2.26) than their heterosexual peers.

Discussion: Aging-well is not the same for all women. Health promotion programs may consider maximizing sexual minority women's internal and external resources-including social supports, self-mastery, and personal growth-to promote wellness in older age.

Citing Articles

Needs, Experiences, and Hopes for Aging Futures among Older Adults in the LGBTQ Communities: A Qualitative Study in Israel.

Sperling D Arch Sex Behav. 2024; 53(8):3139-3150.

PMID: 39009741 PMC: 11335906. DOI: 10.1007/s10508-024-02938-x.

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