Gay and Lesbian Aging

Aging gays and lesbians face the same issues as heterosexual people, such as health and financial concerns. Issues unique to older gays and lesbians relate to society's failure to accept or inability to understand their sexual orientation. Same-sex relationships are generally not legally sanctioned or recognized in the same ways as heterosexual relationships. This can lead to difficulties in managing terminal or chronic illness or partners being unable to collect insurance or pension benefits, because these special rights are reserved for relatives. Similarly, if the gay or lesbian partners or persons significant to either of them have not clearly defined the relationship, others may fail to acknowledge the severity and nature of the loss upon the death of a partner. In addition to the lack of recognition of the emotional needs of the grieving partner, financial and property issues may ensue.