RISK AND RESILIENCE RELATED TO SELF-PERCEPTIONS OF AGING AMONG LESBIAN AND GAY OLDER ADULTS
2024

Self-Perceptions of Aging in Lesbian and Gay Older Adults

Sample size: 91 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Guest M Aaron, Giasson Hannah, Koffer Rachel

Primary Institution: Arizona State University

Hypothesis

The study aimed to identify psychosocial risk and resilience factors related to self-perceptions of aging among lesbian and gay adults.

Conclusion

Lesbian women reported better self-perceptions of aging than gay men, and more stressful experiences were linked to worse self-perceptions.

Supporting Evidence

  • Lesbian women reported better self-perceptions of aging than gay men.
  • Greater outness was associated with better self-perceptions of aging.
  • More stressful experiences in daily life were associated with worse self-perceptions of aging.

Takeaway

This study looked at how older gay and lesbian people feel about getting older, finding that lesbian women feel better about aging than gay men.

Methodology

Participants completed questionnaires on health, perceptions of aging, community engagement, identity congruence, and stressful experiences.

Participant Demographics

Participants included 45 gay and 46 lesbian adults aged 55-87, with 70% identifying as white.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.01

Statistical Significance

p<0.01

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1093/geroni/igae098.1206

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