Examining the Root Causes of Social Isolation and Loneliness in Community-Dwelling 2SLGBTQIA+ Older Adults
Date
2024
Authors
Lavery, Erin
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Publisher
University of Victoria
Abstract
Research displays that involuntary loneliness and lack of community support is more prevalent among older (50+) 2SLGBTQIA+ people compared to their heterosexual counterparts. Minority stress has been pointed out as one explanation for this disparity and may be partly rooted in a life course where sexual and gender identities were criminalized, pathologized, and often not socially accepted. Many initiatives offered by government organizations to improve mental health and prevent social isolation are often inaccessible to 2SLGBTQIA+ people due to heteronormative expectations. This literature review examines the root causes of social isolation and loneliness for community-dwelling 2SLGBTQIA+ older adults and will form a base from which future research and programming directions may be developed.
Description
Keywords
older adults, social Isolation, loneliness, 2SLGBTQIA+, aged 50+