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Sexuality Research and Social Policy

Published in:

22-01-2021

Loneliness, Social Support, and Adjustment to Aging in Older Portuguese Gay Men

Authors: José Alberto Ribeiro-Gonçalves, Henrique Pereira, Pedro Alexandre Costa, Isabel Leal, Brian de Vries

Published in: Sexuality Research and Social Policy | Issue 1/2022

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Abstract

Background

Older LGBT adults are growing in visibility throughout the Western world. An emerging body of research reveals that this population is at greater risk for a variety of negative physical and mental health problems compared to the general population. One such problem is loneliness, which is emerging as a major public health issue around the world. Unfortunately, loneliness has not been studied in a diverse range of older LGBT people. The purpose of this study was to assess levels of loneliness, as well as possible demographic and psychosocial predictors, in a population of older Portuguese gay men.

Methods

Using online surveys, 110 older Portuguese gay men (mean age = 63.5) completed the UCLA Loneliness Scale for Portuguese Older Adults, Connectedness to the LGBT Community Scale and Adjustment to Aging Scale, as well as measures of support from family and friends.

Results

Overall, high levels of loneliness were found, particularly among those with lower education levels. Low levels of family support, friends support and connectedness to the LGBT community were all significant predictors of loneliness in the regression analyses, but adjustment to aging was not.

Conclusions

These findings add to the international literature on the correlates of loneliness among older sexual minorities. Such findings may inform the development of psychosocial interventions and promote healthcare engagement among older sexual minorities, which are important steps toward reducing health disparities that affect this population.

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Title: Loneliness, Social Support, and Adjustment to Aging in Older Portuguese Gay Men
Authors: José Alberto Ribeiro-Gonçalves
Henrique Pereira
Pedro Alexandre Costa
Isabel Leal
Brian de Vries
Publication date: 22-01-2021
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: Sexuality Research and Social Policy / Issue 1/2022
Print ISSN: 1868-9884
Electronic ISSN: 1553-6610
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13178-021-00535-4

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Class Foundations of Sexual Prejudice toward Gay and Lesbian People