Executive Summary San Francisco has a large, diverse, and growing population of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) older adults. Population-based research suggests that there are likely between 18,000 to 20,000 LGBT adults aged 60 years or older living in San Francisco (Jensen, 2012). To date, very limited research has systematically examined the unique aging needs, strengths, and challenges facing LGBT older adults. This report is the result of collaborative effort between the San Francisco LGBT Aging Policy Task Force, the Task Force Research Team, and Caring and Aging with Pride of the Institute for Multigenerational Health at the University of Washington. This report highlights key findings and concludes with programmatic, policy, and research recommendations. An important goal of the study was to obtain a diverse representation of LGBT older adults in San Francisco. From April to June 2013, electronic and hardcopy surveys in five languages (English, Spanish, Chinese, Russian, and Tagalog) were distributed through media, service agencies, community events, and community outreach activities. The survey was completed by 616 LGBT City residents, aged 60 to 92 years old. More than two-thirds (71%) of the participants are gay men, 22% lesbians, 4% bisexuals, and 4% transgender. Although the majority of the study sample is non-Hispanic white, 21% identify as Hispanic, Asian American, African American, Native American, “other” race or ethnicity, and multiracial. Because of the targeted nature of the outreach activities, the findings outlined below represent those of the study participants. It is important to recognize that this is one of the most diverse samples to date in LGBT aging research; however, the findings are not generalizable to LGBT older adults living in San Francisco. Several findings suggest risk of isolation and lack of support resources among the participants: Nearly 60% of the participants live alone. 40% do not have the minimum income necessary to meet their basic needs, based on California Elder Economic Security Index; 30% have incomes below the 200% of the federal poverty level. Only 15% have children; 60% of whom indicate that their children are not available to help them if needed. Nearly two-thirds (63%) are neither partnered nor married. Bisexual, African American, and Hispanic participants are less likely to own a home. Findings related to high need for services and programs include: The most frequently needed programs and services identified by participants are health services, health promotion, mental health services, housing assistance, having a case manager/social worker, telephone/online referrals, and meal site/free groceries. Services and programs with a high rate of unmet need include health promotion, door-to-door transportation, caregiver support, day programs, housing assistance, in-home care, and telephone/online referrals. Bisexual and transgender participants report elevated need for most services. LGBT participants with lower incomes and lower educational attainment, as well as those living alone and those who are not partnered also have higher service needs.
3