Transgender older adults' prior military service: Mental health differences by gender identification.

Despite a proportionally higher likelihood of serving, the role of prior military service in the mental health of transgender individuals is understudied. Research on the impact of military service on mental health tends to be proximal. We examined the distal relationship between prior military service, identity stigma, and mental health among transgender older adults, drawing comparisons between transgender men and women. We conducted a series of weighted multivariate linear models to predict the relationships between prior military service, identity stigma, perceived stress, and depression among 183 transgender women and men aged 51-87 (M = 60.11, SD = 0.668) using 2014 data from the National Health, Aging, and Sexuality/Gender Study. Prior military service was negatively associated with depression and perceived stress; identity stigma was positively associated with both. Prior military service and lower depression and perceived stress were significant for transgender men, but not women. Identity stigma was significant with depression and perceived stress among transgender women, but not transgender men. Our preliminary findings suggest that prior military service may serve as a protective factor for mental health among transgender men, but not transgender women. We need to better understand how military experience interacts with other characteristics, such as differing gender identities influences the mental health of transgender service members. Further research is needed to inform underlying mechanisms whereby military service differentially impacts mental health by gender identity so all active-duty personnel can share in the many benefits that accrue from military service, including protective effects on mental health in later life. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Aging with Pride: Innovations in Dementia Empowerment and Action (IDEA).

Background: Sexual and gender minority (SGM) older adults and their care partners, compared to the general population, face unique vulnerabilities that exacerbate living with dementia, including elevated disparities in comorbidities, social isolation, and structural inequities, such as discrimination and lack of access to supports. Methods: This paper describes the virtual adaptation process of the first-ever randomized controlled clinical trial intervention, Aging with Pride: Innovations in Dementia Empowerment and Action (IDEA), that was designed for SGM older adults living with dementia and their care partners and built upon the foundation of RDAD and NHAS. Results: The virtual adaptation of IDEA was guided by the goals of accessibility, quality, ease of delivery, sustainability, and cultural relevance. The implementation required the development of a HIPPA-compliant online virtual platform, coach and participant virtual training, and modification of necessary intervention elements and materials, as needed. Based on the preliminary findings, the participants and intervention coaches responded well to the virtual adaptation of IDEA. When comparing to in-person delivery, the virtual delivery decreased attrition among both intervention participants and coaches. Discussion: The virtual adaptation of the IDEA intervention resulted in preliminary, unexpected, yet potentially important benefits, including the ability to expand the reach of the intervention and decreased attrition. Virtual interventions are an emerging field for people living with dementia and their care partners and additional systematic research is needed to fully assess the benefits and limitations as well as to evaluate if specific subgroups are better served by differing delivery modalities.

Minority Stress and Mental Health: A Review of the Literature.

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) populations experience significant health disparities, theorized to result from LGBT specific minority stressors. The fully conceptualized Minority Stress Model was published more than 15 years ago. Minority stressors include external conditions and events, such as discrimination and victimization. Internal minority stressors include expectations of rejection and discrimination, concealment of minority identity, and internalizations of negative dominant cultural attitudes, beliefs, stereotypes, and values. Connection to sexual and gender minority communities is theorized to moderate the effects of minority stressors. In this integrative review, I examine two decades of research on minority stress. Based on this review, I highlight strengths and limitations of the model, and suggest next steps for moving minority stress research forward.

Generational and Social Forces in the Life Events and Experiences of Lesbian and Gay Midlife and Older Adults Across the Iridescent Life Course.

ObjectivesUtilizing Iridescent Life Course, we examine life events among three generations of lesbian and gay adults: Invisible (born 1920-1934), Silenced (born 1935-1949), and Pride (born 1950-1964) Generations. Methods: We utilized a subsample (n = 2079) from the 2014 wave of Aging with Pride: National Health, Aging, and Sexuality/Gender Study (NHAS). Demographic characteristics, life events, and gender and generational interactions were compared. Results: Compared to other generations, the Invisible Generation disclosed their identity at older ages, were more likely to be retired, served in the military, and survived a partner's death. Compared to the other generations, the Pride Generation was more likely to have disclosed their identities earlier and experienced higher levels of victimization/discrimination. Discussion: This paper is the first to examine the lived experiences of the oldest lesbians and gay men and compare them to other generations. The findings illustrate the heteronormative nature of most life course research.

Health, economic and social disparities among transgender women, transgender men and transgender nonbinary adults: Results from a population-based study.

We investigated health, economic, and social disparities among transgender adults (transgender women, men, and nonbinary) aged 18 years and older. Using population-based data from the Washington State Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (WA-BRFSS), we pooled 2016 through 2019 data (n = 47,894). We estimated weighted distributions and prevalence by gender identity for background characteristics, economic, social and health indicators. We performed regressions of these indicators on gender identity, including transgender versus cisgender adults and transgender nonbinary adults compared to cisgender adults, followed by subgroup analyses: transgender women and men compared to each cisgender group and to one another, adjusting for covariates. Compared to cisgender adults, transgender adults overall were significantly younger and lower income with less education; more likely single with fewer children; and had several elevated health risks, including poor physical and mental health, and higher rates of chronic conditions and disability. Alternatively, transgender men and women had higher rates of flu vaccination than cisgender men. Between transgender subgroups, transgender men and transgender nonbinary adults were younger than transgender women; transgender men were significantly less likely married or partnered than transgender women; and, transgender women were more likely to live alone than nonbinary respondents. This is one of the first population-based studies to examine both between and within subgroup disparities among cisgender, transgender binary, and transgender nonbinary adults, revealing patterns of inequities across subgroups. More research understanding the mechanisms of these disparities and the development of targeted interventions is needed to address the unique needs of subgroups of transgender people.

Utilization of Recommended Preventive Health Screenings Between Transgender and Cisgender Older Adults in Sexual and Gender Minority Communities.

ObjectivesTransgender older adults are among the most health disparate populations in the United States; they also face some of the most significant barriers in accessing high quality, affordable, preventive healthcare services. We compare utilization rates of eight recommended preventive health screenings for adults aged 50 and older, by gender identity. Methods: We analyzed data from 2514 lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender adults aged 50 and older, testing associations between gender identities and screening service utilizations by applying a series of multivariate logistic regression analyses, controlling for sociodemographics. Results: Compared to cisgender LGB participants, transgender participants had significantly lower odds to have met four of the recommended screenings. Transgender men had significantly lower odds than transgender women to have met two of the recommended screenings. Discussion: Increasing transgender older adults' access to preventative health screening tests is critical to reduce the health burden in this aging population.

Depression Among Transgender Older Adults: General and Minority Stress.

This study aims to (a) examine the direct and indirect effects internalized heterosexism, disclosure of gender identity, and perceived general stress in association with depression among transgender older adults; and (b) to assess the relative contribution of each relationship. Secondary analyses of data from a large community-based study of older sexual and gender minorities were conducted utilizing structural equation modeling with a subsample (n = 174) of transgender adults aged 50 to 86-years old. Disclosure of gender identity had no significant direct or indirect effects on either perceived general stress or depression. Internalized heterosexism did not have a direct effect on depression, but did have a significant indirect effect through perceived general stress. Finally, perceived general stress had an additional significant direct effect on depression, over and above internalized heterosexism. Total effect sizes appear to be considerable with standardized betas greater than 5.0. Perceived general stress and internalized heterosexism independently and cumulatively have significant direct and indirect effects on depression among transgender older adults. Implications for depression among transgender older adults and the role of community psychology are discussed.

Prior Military Service, Identity Stigma, and Mental Health Among Transgender Older Adults.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: Converging evidence from large community-based samples, Internet studies, and Veterans Health Administration data suggest that transgender adults have high rates of U.S. military service. However, little is known about the role of prior military service in their mental health later in life, particularly in relation to identity stigma. In this article, we examine relationships between prior military service, identity stigma, and mental health among transgender older adults. DESIGN AND METHODS: We used a subsample of transgender older adults (n = 183) from the 2014 survey of Aging with Pride: National Health, Aging, and Sexuality/Gender Study (NHAS). We employed weighted multivariate linear models to evaluate the relationships between psychological health-related quality of life (HRQOL), depressive symptomatology (Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale [CES-D] scores), identity stigma, and prior military service, controlling for background characteristics. RESULTS: Identity stigma was significantly related with higher depressive symptomatology and lower psychological HRQOL. Having a history of prior military service significantly predicted lower depressive symptomatology and higher psychological HRQOL. The relationships between psychological HRQOL, identity stigma, and prior military service were largely explained by depressive symptomatology. Prior military service significantly attenuated the relationship between identity stigma and depressive symptomatology. IMPLICATIONS: By identifying the role of military service in the mental health of transgender older adults, this study provides insights into how prior military service may contribute to resilience and positive mental health outcomes. Directions for future research are discussed.

The Relationship Between Sexual Minority Stigma and Sexual Health Risk Behaviors Among HIV-Positive Older Gay and Bisexual Men.

This study investigates how internalized sexual minority stigma and enacted sexual minority stigma in health care settings are associated with sexual health risk behaviors (SRBs) and the mediating role of infrequent routine health care and perceived stress among older gay and bisexual (G/B) men living with HIV disease. Survey responses from 135 sexually active older G/B men living with HIV were analyzed using hierarchical linear regression models. Results indicate that one fifth of G/B older adult men living with HIV are engaged in multiple SRBs. Internalized sexual minority stigma and enacted sexual minority stigma in health care settings are significantly associated with SRBs. The relationship between internalized sexual minority stigma and SRBs are mediated by infrequent routine health care and elevated levels of perceived stress. Improved primary and secondary prevention strategies are needed for the growing number of sexually active older G/B men.

Lesbian, gay, & bisexual older adults: linking internal minority stressors, chronic health conditions, and depression.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to: (1) test whether the minority stressors disclosure of sexual orientation; and (2) internalized heterosexism are predictive of chronic physical health conditions; and (3) depression; (4) to test direct and indirect relationships between these variables; and (5) whether chronic physical health conditions are further predictive of depression, net of disclosure of sexual orientation and internalized heterosexism. METHODS: Secondary analysis of national, community-based surveys of 2349 lesbian, gay, and bisexual adults aged 50 and older residing in the US utilizing structural equation modeling. RESULTS: Congruent with minority stress theory, disclosure of sexual orientation is indirectly associated with chronic physical health conditions and depression, mediated by internalized heterosexism with a suppressor effect. Internalized heterosexism is directly associated with chronic physical health conditions and depression, and further indirectly associated with depression mediated by chronic physical health conditions. Finally, chronic physical health conditions have an additional direct relationship with depression, net of other predictor variables. CONCLUSION: Minority stressors and chronic physical health conditions independently and collectively predict depression, possibly a synergistic effect. Implications for depression among older sexual minority adults are discussed.

Concealing Concealment: The Mediating Role of Internalized Heterosexism in Psychological Distress Among Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Older Adults.

Recent population-based studies indicate that sexual minorities aged 50 and older experience significantly higher rates of psychological distress than their heterosexual age-peers. The minority stress model has been useful in explaining disparately high rates of psychological distress among younger sexual minorities. The purpose of this study is to test a hypothesized structural relationship between two minority stressors--internalized heterosexism and concealment of sexual orientation--and consequent psychological distress among a sample of 2,349 lesbian, gay, and bisexual adults aged 50 to 95 years old. Structural equation modeling indicates that concealment has a nonsignificant direct effect on psychological distress but a significant indirect effect that is mediated through internalized heterosexism; the effect of concealment is itself concealed. This may explain divergent results regarding the role of concealment in psychological distress in other studies, and the implications will be discussed.

Innovative Approaches Address Aging and Mental Health Needs in LGBTQ Communities.

LGBTQ older adults have higher levels of psychological distress as compared to older adults in general. They also experience multiple barriers to accessing equitable, culturally competent mental health and aging services because of their distinct histories and particular social contexts. This article discusses this lack of access to services, and highlights an innovative way mental health services are being delivered in LGBTQ communities.

The health equity promotion model: Reconceptualization of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) health disparities.

National health initiatives emphasize the importance of eliminating health disparities among historically disadvantaged populations. Yet, few studies have examined the range of health outcomes among lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people. To stimulate more inclusive research in the area, we present the Health Equity Promotion Model-a framework oriented toward LGBT people reaching their full mental and physical health potential that considers both positive and adverse health-related circumstances. The model highlights (a) heterogeneity and intersectionality within LGBT communities; (b) the influence of structural and environmental context; and (c) both health-promoting and adverse pathways that encompass behavioral, social, psychological, and biological processes. It also expands upon earlier conceptualizations of sexual minority health by integrating a life course development perspective within the health-promotion model. By explicating the important role of agency and resilience as well as the deleterious effect of social structures on health outcomes, it supports policy and social justice to advance health and well-being in these communities. Important directions for future research as well as implications for health-promotion interventions and policies are offered.

Creating a vision for the future: key competencies and strategies for culturally competent practice with lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) older adults in the health and human services.

Sexual orientation and gender identity are not commonly addressed in health and human service delivery, or in educational degree programs. Based on findings from Caring and Aging with Pride: The National Health, Aging and Sexuality Study (CAP), the first national federally-funded research project on LGBT health and aging, this article outlines 10 core competencies and aligns them with specific strategies to improve professional practice and service development to promote the well-being of LGBT older adults and their families. The articulation of key competencies is needed to provide a blueprint for action for addressing the growing needs of LGBT older adults, their families, and their communities.

Physical and mental health of transgender older adults: an at-risk and underserved population.

PURPOSE: This study is one of the first to examine the physical and mental health of transgender older adults and to identify modifiable factors that account for health risks in this underserved population. DESIGN AND METHODS: Utilizing data from a cross-sectional survey of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender older adults aged 50 and older (N = 2,560), we assessed direct and indirect effects of gender identity on 4 health outcomes (physical health, disability, depressive symptomatology, and perceived stress) based on a resilience conceptual framework. RESULTS: Transgender older adults were at significantly higher risk of poor physical health, disability, depressive symptomatology, and perceived stress compared with nontransgender participants. We found significant indirect effects of gender identity on the health outcomes via fear of accessing health services, lack of physical activity, internalized stigma, victimization, and lack of social support; other mediators included obesity for physical health and disability, identity concealment for perceived stress, and community belonging for depressive symptomatology and perceived stress. Further analyses revealed that risk factors (victimization and stigma) explained the highest proportion of the total effect of gender identity on health outcomes. IMPLICATIONS: The study identifies important modifiable factors (stigma, victimization, health-related behaviors, and social support) associated with health among transgender older adults. Reducing stigma and victimization and including gender identity in nondiscrimination and hate crime statutes are important steps to reduce health risks. Attention to bolstering individual and community-level social support must be considered when developing tailored interventions to address transgender older adults' distinct health and aging needs.

Health disparities among lesbian, gay, and bisexual older adults: results from a population-based study.

OBJECTIVES: We investigated health disparities among lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) adults aged 50 years and older. METHODS: We analyzed data from the 2003-2010 Washington State Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (n = 96 992) on health outcomes, chronic conditions, access to care, behaviors, and screening by gender and sexual orientation with adjusted logistic regressions. RESULTS: LGB older adults had higher risk of disability, poor mental health, smoking, and excessive drinking than did heterosexuals. Lesbians and bisexual women had higher risk of cardiovascular disease and obesity, and gay and bisexual men had higher risk of poor physical health and living alone than did heterosexuals. Lesbians reported a higher rate of excessive drinking than did bisexual women; bisexual men reported a higher rate of diabetes and a lower rate of being tested for HIV than did gay men. Conclusions. Tailored interventions are needed to address the health disparities and unique health needs of LGB older adults. Research across the life course is needed to better understand health disparities by sexual orientation and age, and to assess subgroup differences within these communities.

The physical and mental health of lesbian, gay male, and bisexual (LGB) older adults: the role of key health indicators and risk and protective factors.

PURPOSE: Based on resilience theory, this paper investigates the influence of key health indicators and risk and protective factors on health outcomes (including general health, disability, and depression) among lesbian, gay male, and bisexual (LGB) older adults. DESIGN AND METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted with LGB older adults, aged 50 and older (N = 2,439). Logistic regressions were conducted to examine the contributions of key health indicators (access to health care and health behaviors), risk factors (lifetime victimization, internalized stigma, and sexual identity concealment), and protective factors (social support and social network size) to health outcomes, when controlling for background characteristics. RESULTS: The findings revealed that lifetime victimization, financial barriers to health care, obesity, and limited physical activity independently and significantly accounted for poor general health, disability, and depression among LGB older adults. Internalized stigma was also a significant predictor of disability and depression. Social support and social network size served as protective factors, decreasing the odds of poor general health, disability, and depression. Some distinct differences by gender and sexual orientation were also observed. IMPLICATIONS: High levels of poor general health, disability, and depression among LGB older adults are of major concern. These findings highlight the important role of key risk and protective factors, which significantly influences health outcomes among LGB older adults. Tailored interventions must be developed to address the distinct health issues facing this historically disadvantaged population.