LGBT elders in rural settings, small towns, and frontier regions

Abstract

Rural areas have a higher percentage of older adults than the rest of the USA and are expected to experience the greatest increase in this age group, as many rural areas are becoming retirement communities. This chapter presents a trans-disciplinary examination of issues relevant to LGBT elders in rural settings (RS), small towns (ST), and frontier regions (FR). Information is presented on the characteristics of these areas, a profile of LGBT elders in these settings, issues of isolation and survival strategies, healthcare concerns and disclosure, and issues about integrated services and policy. For many LGBT elders, geographic location, in tandem with social, cultural, and economic issues, is a significant factor that influences how LGBT individuals experience aging.