Special Considerations for Older LGBTQ Adults During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Case and Review

• Type of Material: Article
• Authors: Alejandra Grullon, Emory University; Valeriya Tsygankova, Emory University; Bobbi Woolwine, Emory University; A Tan, Emory University; Adriana Hermida, Emory University
• Language: English
• Date: 2021-04-01
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Publication Version: Final Published Version
• Copyright Statement: © 2021 Published by Elsevier Inc.
• License: Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International
• Final Published Version (URL): http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jagp.2021.01.070
• Title of Journal or Parent Work: AMERICAN JOURNAL OF GERIATRIC PSYCHIATRY
• Volume: 29
• Issue: 4
• Grant/Funding Information: Not Applicable
• Keywords: pandemic; COVID-19; LGBTQ
• Research Categories: Psychology, Behavioral; Health Sciences, Public Health; Health Sciences, Health Care Management

Abstract

Throughout the COVID-19 Pandemic, older adults have been disproportionately impacted by both illness and fatalities. Of the nearly 39 million adults over age 65 in the United States, approximately 2.4 million older adults identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer (LGBTQ). LGBTQ older adults face unique challenges due to their intersecting identities and histories, including the effects of heterosexism, ageism, and being more likely to live alone, be single, and not have children. As we implement social distancing as a primary COVID-19 prevention method, older adults have faced increased isolation.