Title | Functional Limitations and Access to Long-Term Services and Supports Among Sexual Minority Older Adults. |
Publication Type | Journal Article |
Year of Publication | 2022 |
Authors | Travers, JL, Shippee, TP, Flatt, JD, Caceres, BA |
Journal | Journal of Applied Gerontology |
Volume | 41 |
Issue | 9 |
Pagination | 2056-2062 |
ISSN Number | 1552-4523 |
Keywords | Functional limitations, long-term support, sexual identity, sexual minorities |
Abstract | Little is known about sexual minority (SM) older adults' activities of daily living (ADL) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) limitations and their subsequent access to long-term services and supports (LTSS). We analyzed cross-sectional data from the 2016 Health and Retirement Study limited to individuals ≥50 years old. Bivariate analyses were performed to examine 1) sexual identity differences in the prevalence of ADL/IADL limitations and 2) associations of sexual identity with having ADL/IADL limitations and having access to help with ADL/IADL limitations. Our sample consisted of 3833 older adults, 6% ( = 213) were SM. Compared to heterosexual participants, bisexual older adults had greater reports of ADL/IADL limitations (20.9% vs. 35.9%, = 0.013). Among those who reported having ADL/IADL limitations ( = 803), there were no sexual identity differences in accessing help for ADL/IADL limitations ( = .901). Our findings contribute to the limited research on LTSS access among SM older adults. |
DOI | 10.1177/07334648221099006 |
Citation Key | 12423 |
PubMed ID | 35537185 |
PubMed Central ID | PMC9427672 |