Physical health and ageing well in older LGB+ adults: The role of discrimination, coming out and personal resiliency

Introduction. Older sexual minority people meet a double stigma in our society related to their sexual identity and chronological age. The present study explores how experiences of discrimination and prejudice, coming out, and personal resiliency may impact the physical health of older lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) adults. Methods. The study was conducted as part of the national research project “Ageing Well in an Ageing Society”, funded by Next Generation EU [DM 1557 11.10.2022], in the context of the PNRR, Investment PE8 – Project Age-ItRespondents were recruited through advertisements and an online survey. The sample included 82 Italian cisgender LGB adults over 65: young older adults (65-70 years; 78%) and old adults (over 71 years; 22%). Regarding sexual orientation, the sample was composed of sexual minority women (n = 30; 37%) and sexual minority men (n = 52; 63%). Results. ANOVAs’ findings showed that sexual minority women described lower levels of physical health compared to sexual minority men. At the same time, old adults reported higher experiences of discrimination and prejudice compared to young older adults. Moreover, findings from hierarchical multiple regression analysis pointed out that being out, higher levels of resiliency, and fewer experiences of discrimination were predictors of physical health, regardless of age and sexual minority categories. Conclusion: These findings underline the relevance of investigating aging well in sexual minority people. Knowledge and awareness of LGBTQ+ issues are necessary for recognizing the unique needs and resources of older LGB people for promoting a healthy aging process.