Abstract
Objective: The present study compared indicators of impaired health and disability between older adults in same-sex cohabiting relationships and their peers in opposite-sex cohabiting relationships. Method: Data were obtained on men (n = 698) and women (n = 630) aged 50 years and older and in self-reported same-sex relationships from the National Health Interview Survey. Multiple regression analyses were conducted to estimate differences in physical health, mental health, and disability status. Results: Compared with their peers in married opposite-sex relationships, older men in same-sex relationships exhibited greater odds of psychological distress, and older women in same-sex relationships experienced elevated odds of poor/fair health, needing help with activities of daily living and instrumental activities of daily living, functional limitations, and psychological distress. Discussion: This study adds to the limited information on health and disability among older lesbian, gay, and bisexual adults. As this population grows, gerontologists must develop a better understanding of the unique issues and challenges facing them and their families.
| Original language | English (US) |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 432-453 |
| Number of pages | 22 |
| Journal | Journal of aging and health |
| Volume | 27 |
| Issue number | 3 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - Apr 20 2015 |
Bibliographical note
Publisher Copyright:© The Author(s) 2014.
Keywords
- and bisexual (LGB)
- discrimination
- gay
- lesbian
- minority health
- stigma
