images copyright © richard renaldi, 2005.
Canada
Unfortunately, we are ill prepared for this increased need for services associated with aging. Limited research has been conducted on this population segment, potentially due to the stigma attached in our society to the aging process. This stigma comes from a variety of sources; two examples are the heavily commodified focus on youth in our culture, and the natural fears associated with the deterioration of the body and death (Renaldi, 2005). As invisible as the elderly population feels, it is even worse for elderly people who identify as a minority or oppressed group; such as radicalized, low income, and LGBTTQ* older adults. The LGBTTQ* community includes the full spectrum of life; It’s just that our culture is so consumed with youth, and rejecting of older adults sexual needs that this segment of the population tends to be ignored all together, as if older LGBTTQ* adults do not exist (Renaldi, 2005).
Older LGBTTQ* adults are by no means a homogenous group, however all LGBTTQ* elders share two common unifying elements: at some point in their lives they began to identify as something other than heterosexual, and they all grew up in a particular socio-historical period (Friend, 99). The popular image of older LGBTTQ* adults is largely negative. They are usually depicted as lonely, depressed, and lacking traditional support from family (Friend, 99). Thankfully, this stereotype conflicts with the current research findings. Studies show older LGBTTQ* adults to be well adjusted, self accepting, and adapting well to the aging process (Friend, 100).
As social workers we have to be sure that our practice in the field is always done with our eyes as open as possible; we need to see those who are invisible, those who have been pushed to the margins of society and forgotten, and those who society would prefer to believe did not exist. We have to conduct the research to fill in the holes of our knowledge of groups who are oppressed in our society. We have to create policy to ensure that elderly same sex couples enjoy the same rights and privileges as any other couple. We need to advocate for equality for those who have no voice in society; we need to make sure we are ready to provide care for LGBTTQ* elders.
-Julianna
-Julianna
Friend, R. (1991). Older lesbian and gay people: A theory of successful aging. (Ed.), Gay
midlife and maturity (pg 99-116) Binghamton , NY
Neysmith, S. (2003). Caring and aging: Exposing the policy issues. In A. Westhues (Ed.),
Canadian social policy: Issues and perspectives (pg 182-199). Waterloo , ON
Renaldi, R. (2005). Gay and lesbian elderly. Retrieved from:
http://www.renaldi.com/portfolio/elderly1.html
The idea of older adults and sex turns off most people, nevermind the idea of older adults and homosexuality. Yes, we as a younger generation need to get over these dusty notions of yesteryear and accept that YES older adults do it amd that YES some of them are gay/lesbian.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I think Friend is a great last name.
Kel
Great job Julianna!
ReplyDeleteI find the picture you posted so cute.
I definitely agree with your point on how once we become social workers we're going to need to provide care for LGBTTQ*elders. I just hope that by the time we are social workers, there will be more research done as well as more policies for LGBTTQ* elders.
-Brigitte Tetrault
This post certainly opened my eyes, thank you Julianna! I think that older adults should be respected irregardless of their age, sexual orientaiton or sexual preferences; social justice policies need to regornize that older adults are no diffent than their younger counterparts (yet for some reason they are still treated differently).
ReplyDeleteI remember a situation in my hometown in which a gay elderly couple was denied the ability to live together in an independant living centre, whereas heterosexual couples were allowed; their ability to live together was denied because they identified as gay. Services should be provided to all individuals whether they are heterosexual or part of the LGBTTQ* community, and this needs to be reflected in policies granting all older adults the same rights.
Kirsten
I love this post, and I agree, the picture you chose to go along with it is adorable. I agree with Kel, I think a lot of people don't want to acknowledge the fact that older people have sex lives. We, as a population, need to acknowledge that sex is so important when it comes to quality of life, especially within the aging LGBTTQ* population. Given the attitude towards homosexuality decades ago, you'd think that the aging LGBTTQ* community has been through enough, already. However, I'm pleased to see that many aging LGBTTQ* people report feeling secure and well-adjusted. Very inspiring!
ReplyDeleteJulia
Kirsten: I can't imagine much worse than being denied the right to have my partner by my side, especially late in life when each moment is precious. Thanks for sharing your story, it's terrible to hear about these things still happening here in 2011.
ReplyDeleteJulia and Brigitte: I thought the picture made the men look dignified, and you can sort of feel the love and affection between them. It made LGBTTQ* elders real for me, since I have never had the pleasure of meeting any.
Julianna