Millions of older adults in the United States are part of sexual and gender minority (SGM) communities and identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, asexual, transgender, Two-Spirit, queer, and/or intersex. People in the these communities often face unique challenges that can impact their health and well-being throughout life. For example, experiencing bias, prejudice, or discrimination from both social interactions and through institutional practices.
These negative life exposures can affect health and aging and contribute to health disparities among SGM adults. NIA-funded researchers are working with these communities to learn more about the health disparities they face and to identify potential ways to improve the health and well-being of SGM adults as they age. Current NIA-funded research in this article includes:
- Life experiences and social networks of SGM older adults
- Aging with Pride: National Health, Aging, and Sexuality/Gender Study
- Cognitive impairment and dementia in SGM older adults
