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The idea for this book arose quite a number of years ago, when we realized that no integrative text addressed the unique problems of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender aging, and that the concerns of intersex-identified older adults had not been addressed. To be sure, there were books that contained a chapter on some small subset of problems of LGBT aging. In the interim, a few books have appeared (Clunis, Fredricksen-Goldsen, Freeman, & Nystrom, 2005; Herdt & DeVries, 2004; Hunter, 2005; Kimmel, Rose, & David, 2006). However, this important area of study deserves ongoing, integrated, and comprehensive coverage , with attention to the details of what is known and what remains to be learned. This book is written for students and professionals in gerontology, medicine, social work, psychology, nursing, public health, health care administration, and related fields who wish to learn more about the life experiences and concerns of sexuality and gender-minority-identified elderly persons, in order to effectively serve their patients, clients, and service consumers. Material is drawn from a wide cross section of available research literature, which is unfortunately scant in many important content areas. Questions are sometimes proposed and ideas extrapolated from the general gerontologic and geriatric literatures, from professional practice, from discussions with our colleagues, and from survey response data. Chapter 1 offers basic demographic information regarding sexual and gender minority persons in the United States and worldwide. Specific data are lacking in many respects, so Tarynn M. Witten has extrapolated from existing census data and population estimates regarding LGBT persons. Information regarding gender identity and gender variance in a variety of indigenous cultural groups is also provided. Many people might ask why LGBT aging should be any different from aging in any other population. In chapter 2, Karen I. Fredriksen-Goldsen discusses caregiving from the perspective of sexual minority persons. Using that as a single topic Preface x P r e fa c e area, she examines the commonalities and differences associated with caregiving in the LGBT population versus other populations. Most older persons who are either married or partnered will attempt to maintain an independent residence as the health and capabilities of one or both partners decline. However, this can prove costly, and people who cannot legally marry are legally and financially disadvantaged, relative to their married peers. Elderly persons who are single, without strong connections with children or other relatives, face additional challenges. Fredriksen-Goldsen summarizes these realities from a legal, social, and practical perspective. Gay men are the most visible group within LGBT communities. The current cohort of older gay men has had the unique experience of surviving the AIDS crisis, during which many friends and partners died and the future of the community appeared foreshortened. Now these individuals are at the life stage during which surviving loved ones die of other chronic illnesses. In chapter 3, Brian de Vries and Gil Herdt discuss the physical, emotional, and social health needs of older gay men. Older lesbians have been leaders in advocacy and community visibility. Old Lesbians Organizing for Change is an advocacy and educational organization that addresses the concerns of lesbian women in middle age and beyond. In chapter 4, Nancy M. Nystrom and Teresa C. Jones employ a case-based format to examine the concerns of older lesbians and contrast them with those of their heterosexually identified peers. Practical advice for older lesbians and their service professionals is also provided. Bisexual elders are often presumed to be either heterosexually or homosexually identified and are therefore less visible than their gay or lesbian peers. In chapter 5, Paula C. Rodríguez Rust discusses the life course dynamics and forms of bisexuality identified in the “International Bisexual Identities, Communities, Ideologies, and Politics” study, drawing from first-person accounts of study participants. Social , legal, and health concerns are also discussed and a resource list is provided. Most people who socially and medically transition gender do so during young adulthood or middle adult years. Some do not publicly identify as transgender after transition has been completed. However, the physical and social changes of transition influence subsequent experiences and the elder years. Legal protections for transgender individuals and their families also remain incomplete. In chapter 6, Tarynn M. Witten and A. Evan Eyler discuss the health, legal, and practical aspects of life for older transgender persons, including palliative care and end-of-life concerns. This discussion is followed by general conclusions about aging among sexual- and gender-minority-identified persons. [3.22.119.251] Project MUSE (2024...

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