Aging and Gender: Inclusive Care Practices and Policies for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Older Adults

In line with global population aging, the number of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT+) older adults is expected to continue to increase. Compared to their heterosexual peers, LGBT+ older adults have poorer physical and psychological health status, experience less social support, and face more barriers when accessing healthcare services, which may lead to higher health disparities and a lower quality of life within LGBT+ older populations. Healthcare providers have been shown to be inadequately prepared to address the unique healthcare needs and challenges of LGBT+ older adults, often leaving these individuals forced to receive care that does not meet their health needs and expectations. Based on the Declaration on Universal Health Coverage proposed by the United Nations and the World Health Organization, medical care and long-term care facilities must provide to healthcare providers training courses in culturally competent care and foster LGBT-friendly care environments to achieve health equity and universal health coverage for LGBT+ populations.