Visibility Matters
Helping LGBTQI+ Older Adults Age Their Way By Linda Travis , PCOA Home Sharing Coordinator
On-going events: Registration is required for attendance - soazseniorpride.org GBTQI+ Mens Loss Group ; weekly on Tuesday; 1:30–3pm; in-person Elder Discussion/Support Group ; second Saturday; 1:30–3pm; in-person Southern Book Club ; third Wednesday; 2–3:30p; on Zoom and space to disclose more about themselves while also providing an accepting and inclusive atmosphere. Finally, your organization can become more informed about LGBTQI+ older How can organizations and people help LGBTQI older adults? The first step is becoming more informed of such lifetime differences and concerns of rejection when an LGBTQI+ individual joins a group. Lacking critical sources of support afforded other older adults, it makes a sense of inclusion by people and communities even more powerful! Another key step is to recognize that someone might be accustomed to hiding their identity to ensure their safety. As a result, it is important to provide that person time the very group of people present in neighborhoods, leisure activities, or religious/spiritual networks. Additionally, LGBTQI+ older adults are twice as likely to be single and living alone, and four times less likely to have children. These factors combine to highlight the reality of isolation for many LGBTQI+ older adults.
Aging with Pr i de
Arizona Senior Pride celebrating, supporting and uniting LGBTQI+ older adults 520-312-8923; info@soazseniorpride.org; soazseniorpride.org All in-person events require masks and vaccinations, bring your card. age in community. For LGBTQI+ older adults, there has often been a lifetime of stigma from family members, from colleagues and employees, from laws or ordinances, or from their peers- Like all older adults, LGBTQI+ older adults often wish to age in place and age in community. There is a particular comfort in the familiarity of aging in homes and neighborhoods that are known and treasured over the years. Another aspect of aging in place involves aging in communities of people where one feels a sense of belonging and is connected to others. Although sometimes communities may be represented through actual geographical neighborhoods, often a sense of community is derived from one’s leisure interests (sports, movies, arts), religious/spiritual beliefs and practices, or political and advocacy activities. However, there are differences to consider for some groups of older adults wishing to age in place and
Gathering in Himmel Park ; third Saturday; 10–11:30am; in-person Walk and Roll - Enjoy an outdoor activity with friendly people; third Tuesday; time will vary; in-person adults by signing up for Visibility Matters trainings at visibilitymatters. pcoa.org. As you read this issue of Never Too Late , you will see reference to the leadership by Administration on Community Living (ACL) for the nation’s celebration of Older Americans Month (OAM) each May. ACL selected the theme of Age My Way for OAM 2022. The Age My Way theme highlights the unique needs and preferences of each older adult. We leave you, and your organization, with a request to truly recognize the unique life journey of each older adult as well each older adult’s unique wishes for the future. For LGBTQI+ older adults and every other group of minority older adults, we honor you to “age your way” and welcome you into our community of aging services at PCOA. Come age with us, you belong here.
There are more events each month. Stay tuned in on the website.
Page 32 | May 2022, Never Too Late
Pima Council on Aging
Made with FlippingBook. PDF to flipbook with ease