A Qualitative Study Exploring Aging Gay and Bisexual Men’s Needs From Healthcare Services in Israel

Abstract

Introduction: Older gay and bisexual men are exposed to heightened risks of physical and mental health disorders. Therefore, understanding their unique needs from healthcare services is essential and is set at the focus of the present study. Methods: The current qualitative study explored aging gay and bisexual men’s unique experiences and needs from healthcare services in Israel. Participants (N = 80, age range 47–82, M = 59.59, SD = 7.40) were interviewed in the years 2018–2020 and queried regarding their needs from and experiences with healthcare services, which were later thematically analyzed using Braun and Clarke’s Thematic Analysis. Results: Six themes were identified from participants’ responses: Romantic relationships and parenting, sexuality in old age, ageism, loneliness, the need for a unique support framework for the gay and bisexual communities, and perceived factors preventing accessibility to healthcare services. Conclusions: The results revealed certain barriers for attaining healthcare services as well as the need for distinctive health and psychological services for gay and bisexual men. Policy Implications: The participants’ unique experiences and needs may aid in offering useful solutions for policy makers, social agents, and clinicians in order to improve healthcare services utilized by aging gay and bisexual men.