About the Elder Community
The term elder or elderly is usually associated with an older person or anyone 55 years old or more. Using the word usually has people thinking of the wise-old man or woman; however, it is a collection of people with different behaviours, attitudes, and experiences.
With ageing populations and life expectancies increasing due to medical advancements, age and attitudes towards it are constantly shifting. Though older and sometimes wiser, it is always important to remember that today’s elders were yesterday’s youth.
With ageing populations and life expectancies increasing due to medical advancements, age and attitudes towards it are constantly shifting. Though older and sometimes wiser, it is always important to remember that today’s elders were yesterday’s youth.
Look at a photograph or painting from fifty or even one hundred years ago. Often you will be surprised when you discover the age of the person featured in the image. Someone in their forties in the 1950s looks much older than those from the current era. The average life expectancy has increased, but so have attitudes towards age. People live longer in part because of medical advancements. Our lives have also become more manageable with many modern-day conveniences and aids in our daily lives.
In many western countries, the average life expectancy rose by ten or more years. The increase has meant someone in their mid to late thirties would have been considered middle-aged in the 1950s, whereas today, that age has shifted to someone aged 40 years or over. People living longer means the retirement age has increased, with many working three to six years longer than twenty years ago.
In many countries and societies worldwide, much of the media and representation are focused on the youth, leaving many older people feeling displaced and isolated. The lack of positive older role models and societal pressures around age expectations result in many withdrawing and becoming less active within their communities. Though this compounds the problem, it is also in part to the restrictions many older people put on themselves. There is a saying that you are only as old as you feel, meaning the more limits and conditions we put on ourselves, the older we will feel and act.
Today’s youth are doing nothing wrong; however, changing views and mindsets, especially around the value everyone brings to the community, is essential. Those elder people feeling forced into roles that do not fit should continue to push back, and words such as no should become maybe and cannot become I will give it a try.
Let us all age positively, removing phrases such as ‘passed it’ within the collective vocabulary. Replacing antiquate phrases, focusing instead on the various and diverse people of all ages, bringing unique perspectives and viewpoints. It is just as crucial for older people not to dismiss those younger than themselves. Using their age to stop conversations by citing wisdom as a reason, but instead listening and opening a dialogue to create a platform for all. Disagreement is not a sign of disrespect but a means of expressing and sharing viewpoints.
In many western countries, the average life expectancy rose by ten or more years. The increase has meant someone in their mid to late thirties would have been considered middle-aged in the 1950s, whereas today, that age has shifted to someone aged 40 years or over. People living longer means the retirement age has increased, with many working three to six years longer than twenty years ago.
In many countries and societies worldwide, much of the media and representation are focused on the youth, leaving many older people feeling displaced and isolated. The lack of positive older role models and societal pressures around age expectations result in many withdrawing and becoming less active within their communities. Though this compounds the problem, it is also in part to the restrictions many older people put on themselves. There is a saying that you are only as old as you feel, meaning the more limits and conditions we put on ourselves, the older we will feel and act.
Today’s youth are doing nothing wrong; however, changing views and mindsets, especially around the value everyone brings to the community, is essential. Those elder people feeling forced into roles that do not fit should continue to push back, and words such as no should become maybe and cannot become I will give it a try.
Let us all age positively, removing phrases such as ‘passed it’ within the collective vocabulary. Replacing antiquate phrases, focusing instead on the various and diverse people of all ages, bringing unique perspectives and viewpoints. It is just as crucial for older people not to dismiss those younger than themselves. Using their age to stop conversations by citing wisdom as a reason, but instead listening and opening a dialogue to create a platform for all. Disagreement is not a sign of disrespect but a means of expressing and sharing viewpoints.
Discover more about pride in the elder community. Learn about the exceptional individuals that make up this group, from interesting statistics, categories and much more
AGES 20-39 YEARS
2.4 billion or 29.4%
Young adults
AGES 40-54 YEARS
1.5 billion or 18.2%
Middle-Aged Adults
AGES 55-74 YEARS
1.3 billion or 15.9%
Young Older Adults
AGES 75+ YEARS
313.2 million or 3.9%
Experienced Older Adults
37 in 100 or 3.1 billion
of the world’s population are over the age of 40
Young adults experience a period in which they transition from their youth to adulthood. This age group covers an age from twenty to thirty-nine years old and takes a person up until adulthood. Typically, during this age range, people will:
- finish their studies, education or acquire trades and skills to work
- become more sexually aware
- become more financially independent
- start forming long-term relationships and commitments
- start creating families of their own
LGBTQIA+ Focus
The transition from child to adult can be liberating for most. In most countries, the average legal age to vote and for sexual consent is 18 years. Many young adults begin to make crucial life decisions. One of the most significant decisions is whether they wish to accept or act upon their sexuality or gender identity. With the right to vote, young adults begin to experience the power to enact change and in helping to ensure that the people who represent them become elected to office. Many LGBTQIA+ feel an overwhelming sense of community and sexual freedom amongst like-minded people within this age group.
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Middle-aged, as a term, is used to describe people that have reached a milestone in their lives. The midpoint or the halfway point relates to a person’s lifetime, based on the average life expectancy (ranging from 70-80 years old). This group covers an age range from forty to fifty-four years. Many individuals within this group are now at the peak of their life experiences and influence. Typically, during this age range, people will:
- have achieved a agree of personal or professional success
- have more disposable income and have assets of value (homes, cars etc.)
- be more self-aware and know more about what they want out of life
- have started families and are watching their families grow
- remain relatively healthy; however, some aches and pains relating to ageing will begin to appear
LGBTQIA+ Focus
Middle-aged is a difficult period of transition for many from the LGBTQIA+ community. They are going from a time of acceptance, freedom, and accessibility to a period when it is not easy to connect with like-minded people. Those in a relationship typically create friend circles of people from similar backgrounds and interests. At the same time, single individuals will likely rely on platforms and networking events, which are usually geared more towards a young audience. Many of these methods make it difficult for older individuals to meet similar or like-minded people.
WORLD
3.1 billion or 37.9%
out of the 8.1 billion people worldwide are over the age of 40
AFRICA
307.3 million or 10%
out of 3.1 billion people over the age of 40
THE AMERICAS
445.6 million or 14.5%
out of 3.1 billion people over the age of 40
ASIA
1.9 billion or 61.7%
out of 3.1 billion people over the age of 40
EUROPE
407.3 million or 13.2%
out of 3.1 billion people over the age of 40
OCEANIA
19 million or 0.6%
out of 3.1 billion people over the age of 40
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Young older adults relate to the period that directly follows middle age and covers a time when a person works up until retirement. This group is made up of people aged from fifty-five to seventy-four years. Named young older, most people within this age group are active, still working, and heading towards retirement. Typically, during this age range, people will:
- have much more financial freedom, some or no debts and savings
- have fewer people dependent on them, with older children or those all grown-up
- have more energy and the drive to explore and experience the world around them
- more available free time to explore new interests and hobbies, including travel
- have health concerns and longevity becoming a significant factor and problem, with many focusing on their well-being and physical fitness
LGBTQIA+ Focus
Many in this age group will have been in one or more long-term relationships and potentially experienced losing someone close to them. Widows and single people may find meeting others from the community difficult. Loneliness and isolation are significant factors affecting the mental health of people from this age group. Those who are in ill health or suffering from mobility issues might start needing outside help and assistance, which can cause different problems and obstacles
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Experienced older adult is the group covering the longest possible age range. It comprises people aged seventy-five and over, with people living to well over one hundred years old. Life expectancies have been improving worldwide due to medical advancement, making it one of the fastest-growing age groups. It is called experienced, given that the people who make up this group are experienced in life. Typically, during this age range, people will: –
- need more help and assistance, typically suffering from mobility or cognitive (perception or judgement) issues
- be limited on what they can do due to health-related problems and become frailer the older they become
- possible have small networks of friends and family, given the number of people in their lives that have departed
- often feel displaced, isolated and lonely
- be unable to travel as often and get tired much more quickly
LGBTQIA+ Focus
Experienced older adults are the most vulnerable of all age groups. They will likely need more help and assistance, with potentially fewer friends or family members to look after them or their interests. With smaller networks, many will likely become more susceptible to abuse. Many will typically feel isolated using care providers and services often tailored towards and designed for heterosexual people. Often, feeling forced to hide their sexuality or gender identity for fear of persecution.
Learn more about financial terms and life events relating to the elder LGBTQIA+ community
Discover all of the ways to connect to other people from the elder LGBTQIA+ community
Learn more about the types of services available for at-home care and considerations for the LGBTQIA+ community
Discover the various services and facilities available to the elder LGBTQIA+ community
Growing old is inevitable and something we all will face. The older we become, the more likely we will need some form of help and support to perform specific tasks or activities in our daily lives. Though care providers and services will vary by country, many of the problems and challenges faced are universal. From affordability to adaptive solutions, typically, there are many barriers to overcome when it comes to requesting and seeking out care…more
With the number of people aged 65 and over set to double by 2050 and many traditional care services and facilities unable to cater for the needs of the LGBTQIA+ community, what measures and steps can conventional care providers take to become more inclusive? And what would it take for LGBTQIA+ individuals to consider using traditional care facilities and services?…more
Pretty much everything we know about the world around us is taught. From the languages we learn from birth to the societies we grow up within that define acceptable behaviours, sexuality and gender roles. Discrimination, racism and prejudice are all taught, products of the environments we are brought up within, often born out of fear or lack of understanding.
When you pick up a magazine or watch television, you typically see images of younger people. It is normal to see older people in the shadows playing supporting roles or specific stereotypes. What is the world saying to you? For most people, it makes them feel invisible or ignored by society. Many will often withdraw and question their self-value; however, some will push back positively.
The LGBTQIA+ community lacks diverse older positive role models, and many represented are slapstick interpretations of the community. Even the term elder gay is interesting. Searching it within popular search engines often displays results typically referencing younger people’s sexual fantasies. Themes focused on younger seeking older, daddies, mummies, polar bears, bull dykes, and many more terms linked to older people and specific sexual desires, rather than getting to know the people themselves.
Everyone grows older, and even though sex is healthy and an important part for many in a relationship, so too is connecting with and feeling valued by other members of your community. There is a growing need to represent older ‘ordinary’ LGBTQIA+ people living their everyday lives, with organisations and groups listening to and networking with this often-forgotten part of society.
We all bring something unique, whether it is perspectives or experiences, to our environments. Engaging and involving all LGBTQIA+ people fosters an open, welcoming and inclusive environment and supports everyone in the community, creating a family and community we all want and need.
When you pick up a magazine or watch television, you typically see images of younger people. It is normal to see older people in the shadows playing supporting roles or specific stereotypes. What is the world saying to you? For most people, it makes them feel invisible or ignored by society. Many will often withdraw and question their self-value; however, some will push back positively.
The LGBTQIA+ community lacks diverse older positive role models, and many represented are slapstick interpretations of the community. Even the term elder gay is interesting. Searching it within popular search engines often displays results typically referencing younger people’s sexual fantasies. Themes focused on younger seeking older, daddies, mummies, polar bears, bull dykes, and many more terms linked to older people and specific sexual desires, rather than getting to know the people themselves.
Everyone grows older, and even though sex is healthy and an important part for many in a relationship, so too is connecting with and feeling valued by other members of your community. There is a growing need to represent older ‘ordinary’ LGBTQIA+ people living their everyday lives, with organisations and groups listening to and networking with this often-forgotten part of society.
We all bring something unique, whether it is perspectives or experiences, to our environments. Engaging and involving all LGBTQIA+ people fosters an open, welcoming and inclusive environment and supports everyone in the community, creating a family and community we all want and need.
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As we age, most of us will face similar challenges, from aches and pains to how society views and treats us. Many of these naturally occurring events can often be tricky. However, how others treat us can become demoralising, affecting our confidence and self-worth. How often have you heard someone say that someone was too old to do something or wear specific clothing? Phrases like that and you should know better at your age are designed to control and limit a person as they age.
Though many of the challenges people face are similar, for LGBTQIA+ people, there are ones that are specific and unique to them. The community has come a long way in the past forty years; however, many growing up during periods of significant change faced many obstacles. Today, the fight for equality has resulted in people from the community being able to marry, have children and even live ordinary, trouble-free lives in many countries worldwide.
Many people over fifty will likely have a higher chance of being rejected by their families. It is further complicated because they have limited or no opportunities to start a family of their own. Attitudes they faced while growing up were also different, with many being preconditioned to be less public or vocal about their sexuality or gender identity for fear of persecution.
A variety of life events cause many to become withdrawn, such as the loss of a partner, few or no family members in their lives or small and dwindling social circles, especially in rural or more conservative communities. These and many more factors are causing people to become lonely and isolated, circumstances that result in many people becoming targets by opportunists.
Physical and mental abuse inflicted on LGBTQIA+ people by individuals taking advantage of these situations. Unscrupulous individuals offer companionship and support as a front to hide all of the money and cherished valuables they are taking. They are allowed to continue as the fear of being alone will silence many vulnerable people.
An LGBTQIA+ person being hospitalised or placed within a care setting can also be an ordeal. Many feel like they are back at school or forced to live within or through uncomfortable situations. They indirectly are made to relive difficult past situations, often afraid of becoming targets with the other patients or staff because of how they identify. These and many more circumstances, especially the fear of persecution, force many to regress and hide who they are to fit in amongst other patients and residents.
Around the world, care and service providers are becoming more aware of the challenges and are willing and looking to adjust their approach. Many organisations within the eldercare space are beginning to create tailored and specialised services. Given the size of the community and the limited number of spaces, there is not enough capacity to meet the growing demand. Many inclusive care providers are adapting their existing services by becoming more welcoming to all people. Though overall, it is positive; many more treat inclusivity as a tick box exercise, missing the point and overall objective.
The answer is not to treat LGBTQIA+ people differently, but the same by raising the bar. Inclusivity is through integration and not just words. Here are some examples:
These are just a few examples; however, the theme concerns the environment and staff showing that they accept LGBTQIA+ individuals. Especially by reaffirming to all that discrimination will not be tolerated. It takes work, retraining staff, and supporting heterosexual residents during the transition to creating diverse and inclusive environments. The effort that ultimately everyone, not only LGBTQIA+ individuals, will benefit from in the end.
Though many of the challenges people face are similar, for LGBTQIA+ people, there are ones that are specific and unique to them. The community has come a long way in the past forty years; however, many growing up during periods of significant change faced many obstacles. Today, the fight for equality has resulted in people from the community being able to marry, have children and even live ordinary, trouble-free lives in many countries worldwide.
Many people over fifty will likely have a higher chance of being rejected by their families. It is further complicated because they have limited or no opportunities to start a family of their own. Attitudes they faced while growing up were also different, with many being preconditioned to be less public or vocal about their sexuality or gender identity for fear of persecution.
A variety of life events cause many to become withdrawn, such as the loss of a partner, few or no family members in their lives or small and dwindling social circles, especially in rural or more conservative communities. These and many more factors are causing people to become lonely and isolated, circumstances that result in many people becoming targets by opportunists.
Physical and mental abuse inflicted on LGBTQIA+ people by individuals taking advantage of these situations. Unscrupulous individuals offer companionship and support as a front to hide all of the money and cherished valuables they are taking. They are allowed to continue as the fear of being alone will silence many vulnerable people.
An LGBTQIA+ person being hospitalised or placed within a care setting can also be an ordeal. Many feel like they are back at school or forced to live within or through uncomfortable situations. They indirectly are made to relive difficult past situations, often afraid of becoming targets with the other patients or staff because of how they identify. These and many more circumstances, especially the fear of persecution, force many to regress and hide who they are to fit in amongst other patients and residents.
Around the world, care and service providers are becoming more aware of the challenges and are willing and looking to adjust their approach. Many organisations within the eldercare space are beginning to create tailored and specialised services. Given the size of the community and the limited number of spaces, there is not enough capacity to meet the growing demand. Many inclusive care providers are adapting their existing services by becoming more welcoming to all people. Though overall, it is positive; many more treat inclusivity as a tick box exercise, missing the point and overall objective.
The answer is not to treat LGBTQIA+ people differently, but the same by raising the bar. Inclusivity is through integration and not just words. Here are some examples:
- Never force a person to be open about their sexuality or gender identity; instead, create a safe space where sexuality or how a person identifies is not an issue
- Lead by example by having staff (only if they are comfortable doing so) being more open about their sexuality or gender identity. If there is limited diversity amongst staff, that is not necessarily an issue; encourage diversity by association. For example, talking about and sharing photographs of loved ones and family members that identify as gay or transgender
- Create an environment where staff and other patients, when introduced, ask how the person likes to be addressed and avoid using assumptive language such as your wife or husband
These are just a few examples; however, the theme concerns the environment and staff showing that they accept LGBTQIA+ individuals. Especially by reaffirming to all that discrimination will not be tolerated. It takes work, retraining staff, and supporting heterosexual residents during the transition to creating diverse and inclusive environments. The effort that ultimately everyone, not only LGBTQIA+ individuals, will benefit from in the end.
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