There is great interest surrounding the boomer population, from the business community to the financial community, to the gay and lesbian community. Over the next 25 years, the number of Americans age 65 or older will increase by 12 to 20 percent. Out of those seniors, seven to 10 percent are predicted to be members of the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered community.
According to a great Newsweek article out last week:
- Gay seniors are twice as likely as straight seniors to live alone
- Gay seniors are 10 times less likely to have someone care for them when they are ill
- Gay seniors are half as likely to have health insurance than heterosexuals
We have reason to be concerned. These individuals face numerous challenges, but many of us are completely unaware of the hurdles they overcome each day. This is a population that lacks visibility both within the LGBT community and within the overall community.
As we learned from GoodAsYou last week, Services and Advocacy for GLBT Elders (SAGE) recently launched a new series of print ads aimed at increasing the visibility and education. The images of LGBT seniors will appear in New York print publications and on subway cards, phone kiosks, and bus shelters. These photos fall under the slogan, “Because there is no expiration date on a full, active life.” SAGE selected both staff members and those who they have close relationships with. These are real people, with real struggles and real stories to tell. I love their ability to capture the diversity of the LGBT population. It’s refreshing to see an ad campaign focused on LGBT seniors that truly reflects their lives.
A PDF of the ads can be found here.
To learn more about the challenges of LGBT seniors, please visit the Newsweek article, “Long Invisible, Gay Seniors Seek Respect, Services” or check out our Q&A with Michael Adams of SAGE.
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Thanks for posting the SAGE campaign. It is well done and filled with the lush diversity that is our community.
Thank you everyone for your comments! The LGBT community is one that we should be proud of and embrace for our diversity, from age, race, religious affiliation, etc. With each education and awareness effort by organizations, such as SAGE, we are able to share the beauty that is our community.