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Over the Rainbow, but not Alone
9th November, York
Promoting independence, combating isolation – the importance of mutual support for older
LGB people
Dr. Sarah Carr, Senior Research Analyst, SCIE
Paul D.S Ross, Senior Information Specialist, SCIE
Introduction: about the research
What could a ‘better life’ look like for LGB older people who need care and support?
What is important to current and future generations of older LGB people?
What can we learn from innovations abroad?
Isolation and independence
Staying independent is seen as a way to combat isolation – it is very important
Independence does not mean being alone but being part of a mutual support network which affirms identity
Independence is promoted by LGB older people staying in control of their environment and support
A key finding: mutual support
LGB communities have a tradition of mutual self-help, supportive friendship networks and ‘chosen families’ which need to be understood and nurtured for older LGB people
Mutual support for older LGB people can include intergenerational aspects
A key finding: what the future generation are saying
Younger LGB people prioritise maintaining independence and combating social isolation in older age
Younger LGB people are exploring their own options for collective living to maintain independence, identity and community in older age
A key finding: International innovations
Formal, larger housing and support initiatives for older LGB people can grow from and nurture community mutual support and friendship networks
Emerging ‘mixed’ alternatives are characterised by LGB people remaining in control of the culture and environment and stipulating shared values
Choice & independence…..…. the Support to be ourselves
Choice! What choice?
The current lack of older LGB specific, health, housing and care options – the ‘ageing’ in ‘isolation’ effect
‘Equality’ act and ‘positive action’- moving past the ‘act’ and into the ‘action’
Opening up choice & opportunity – doing what we do best, community & collaboration, for the benefit of all
Individuals & Choice
Cost & choice – who pays now and in the future? Location & choice – wherever I choose, I want it
to be safe and supportive Independence & choice – the individual &
choice, when diversity is our strength Collaborative choice – collective power and
challenging the range of choices
International choicesDifferences / similarities
Shared challenges - rapidly ageing populations, shrinking economies and their impact upon public funding
Different polices & the varieties in international local state legislation
Internationally, LGB individuals shared the desire, to have a VARIETY of choices to combat isolation
LGB individuals were collaborating with national and local government, housing providers and private funders to build better community orientated choices
Types of housing & care choices
Source: thequeercommons.org
The house of isolation
Source: e-architect.co.uk
The house of the extreme
Source: Disney
The house of independence
Source: Unknown
Innovative & collaborative action = choice
Community activism and Mutual support networks are not for everybody, some LGB individuals will be unable, or unwilling, to be involved
Isolation in later life is a challenge shared by young and old alike – Intergenerational collaboration helps to break down the stigma of age and isolation WE ARE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER
Historically, as a community we have been used to having to live outside the ‘margins in life’ - this has taught us to be innovative in creating choice through our collaborative support networks
LGB individuals need professionals to nurture, facilitate and support ‘positive action’ in the form of specialist mutual support groups that are built on shared ethics and focus on a common goal
Isolated Choices
Many LGB individuals have early life experiences of isolation and many fear, returning to these in later life
Older LGB people can be at risk of isolation if they become detached from their social & personal networks
Isolation can be compounded by discrimination in community and residential services
A lack of choice itself produces isolation, your on your own, in more ways than one!
How do older LGB mutual support groups promote independence and combat isolation?
Mutual support groups can combat isolation by bringing older marginalized LGB people together around a common goal
They can promote independence by mobilising & creating greater choice in ageing services that can help combat isolation
They can exist in a variety of settings; residential, supported housing or the community and provide companionship, advice & information from their peers
Thank You
See our JRF report: Assessing current and future housing and support options for older LGB people
AgeUK Stonewall Housing
Paul: [email protected]
Sarah: [email protected]
