LGBTQ+ People Relive Old Traumas as They Age
As they enter their golden years, many LGBTQ+ individuals are forced to confront the traumas of their past, leading to a heightened sense of isolation and loneliness.
Bill Hall, 71, has been battling various health issues for 38 years, including HIV, depression, heart disease, diabetes, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, kidney cancer, and prostate cancer. This past year, he’s been hospitalized five times with life-threatening medical crises. (Ernestine Grimm/KFF Health News/TNS)
Hall’s struggles are not unique. Of the 3 million Americans over 50 who identify as gay, bisexual, or transgender, about twice as many are single and living alone compared to their heterosexual counterparts, according to the National Resource Center on LGBTQ+ Aging. This demographic is expected to double by 2030, with many of these individuals lacking partners and family to care for them.
The Weight of Trauma
Growing up, Hall was sent to a government boarding school at age 9, where he was subjected to bullying and sexual abuse. This experience "killed his spirit" and left him unable to form intimate relationships. He contracted HIV from anonymous sex at bathhouses, which he still visits occasionally.
"It’s really difficult to maintain a positive attitude when you’re going through so much," Hall said. "You become mentally exhausted."
Many older LGBTQ+ adults share Hall’s sentiment. They face a daunting array of problems, including higher-than-usual rates of anxiety and depression, chronic stress, disability, and chronic illnesses like heart disease.
Aging with PTSD
The trauma of the AIDS crisis still lingers, making it challenging for many to age with dignity. "Dozens of people were dying every day," Hall recalled. "Your life becomes going to support groups, going to visit friends in the hospital, going to funerals."
This lingering trauma can lead to social withdrawal and isolation, a phenomenon known as "post-traumatic stress disorder" (PTSD). In an AARP survey of 2,200 LGBTQ+ adults 45 or older, 48% reported feeling isolated from others, and 45% lacked companionship. Almost 80% were concerned about having adequate social support as they age.
Aging with HIV
The number of people living with HIV in the United States is expected to rise to 70% by 2030, with many of these individuals being long-term survivors of the AIDS epidemic. Christopher Christensen, 72, of Palm Springs, California, has been living with HIV since 1981 and is deeply involved with local organizations serving HIV survivors. "A lot of people living with HIV never thought they’d grow old — or planned for it — because they thought they would die quickly," Christensen said.
Conclusion
As the LGBTQ+ population ages, it’s essential to acknowledge the unique challenges they face. Many are forced to relive old traumas, leading to feelings of isolation, loneliness, and PTSD. It’s crucial to provide these individuals with adequate social support, healthcare, and resources to help them age with dignity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the current state of the LGBTQ+ population in the United States?
A: There are approximately 3 million Americans over 50 who identify as gay, bisexual, or transgender.
Q: What are some common health issues faced by older LGBTQ+ individuals?
A: Higher-than-usual rates of anxiety and depression, chronic stress, disability, and chronic illnesses like heart disease.
Q: How is the number of people living with HIV in the United States expected to change by 2030?
A: The number is expected to rise to 70%, with many of these individuals being long-term survivors of the AIDS epidemic.
Q: What can be done to support older LGBTQ+ individuals as they age?
A: Providing adequate social support, healthcare, and resources can help them age with dignity. It’s essential to acknowledge the unique challenges they face and offer tailored support to mitigate the effects of trauma and isolation.
