Addressing mental health, involuntary loneliness and social isolation among older LGBT+ people

Older people are at increased risk for mental health issues and involuntary loneliness. Belonging to a sexual or gender minority is also found to increase these risks.

However, there is a lack of knowledge about mental health, social isolation and involuntary loneliness among LGBT+ people (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and other sexual and gender minority identities) in later life.The overall research aim of this project is to investigate mental health, social isolation, and involuntary loneliness among LGBT+ people 65-years or older in Sweden, using both quantitative and qualitative approaches.

A second aim is to, in collaboration with the target group and community-based, social and health care stakeholders, identify ways to tailor initiatives to those older LGBT+ people who are found to be most at risk.The aims are addressed through four studies.

Study 1 uses already collected data from a population-based survey study to analyze gender identity and sexual orientation disparities in mental wellbeing among older people in Sweden.

Study 2 is a survey study directed to the 65+ LGBT+ population to investigate how structural and experiential factors (e.g., openness about LGBT+ identity and stigma-based stress) affect mental health, social isolation and involuntary loneliness in this group.

Study 3 is a qualitative interview study with older LGBT+ people who reported loneliness and social isolation, to explore their experiences of relationships, belonging, and community, and facilitators and challenges in strengthening social support networks.

Study 4 is a qualitative interview study with community-based, social and healthcare stakeholders to identify ways to tailor initiatives to those older LGBT+ people who are found to be most at risk.

An advisory group with representatives from the target group, LGBT+ organizations, and care and policy stakeholders, will be involved throughout the research.

This interdisciplinary project is theoretically informed by gerontology, psychology, healthcare science, gender and queer theory. Research results are intended to contribute empirically and theoretically to these fields.

Results will be disseminated academically and in contexts where results can inform practice and policy with support from the advisory group.

Furthermore, results are intended to form a basis for developing initiatives towards preventing mental health issues, isolation and involuntary loneliness among older LGBT+ people.