Healthy Aging for LGBTQIA2+ Older Adults

Carolina Aging Alliance is proud to feature guest contributors who bring insight, compassion, and expertise to the lives of LGBTQIA2+ older adults across the Carolinas. Today, we’re honored to share the insight of Joel G. Anderson, PhD, CHTP, FGSA.  Joel is the Joan L. Creasia Endowed Professor at the University of Tennessee College of Nursing and a member of the Carolina Aging Alliance Board of Directors.

Compared with their straight, cisgender peers, LGBTQIA2+ older adults experience higher rates of chronic diseases and disabilities, including cardiovascular disease, cognitive impairment, and depression. These disparities are often intensified by lifelong experiences of stigma and discrimination — especially within health care settings.

Because Carolina Aging Alliance is dedicated to improving the quality of life for LGBTQIA2+ older adults, this post explores key elements of healthy aging and how involvement with our organization helps promote wellness, connection, and resilience.

Physical Activity: A Cornerstone of Healthy Aging

Physical activity plays a crucial role in sustaining health and mobility. Research shows that older adults who engage in 30 minutes of moderate activity at least five days a week experience:

• Improved intellectual function

• Better balance

• Fewer falls

• Enhanced heart health — even into their 90s

U.S. Physical Activity Guidelines Include:

• 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week

  or

• 75–150 minutes of vigorous exercise

• Strength training twice per week

Getting Started

Transitioning from a sedentary lifestyle can be challenging at any age, but many free and accessible resources exist:

• Move Your Way (U.S. Department of Health & Human Services) – includes activity guidance specifically for older adults.

• AARP – offers extensive tools and programs for staying active.

• Carolina Aging Alliance – hosts weekly walks and regular wellness activities that help you move your body while connecting with community.

  
  

Follow us on social media and subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed about upcoming activities.

Staying Engaged: Intellectual, Creative & Social Wellness

Healthy aging isn’t just physical — it’s social and emotional too.

Older adults who engage in intellectually and socially stimulating activities experience less depression, improved cognitive health, and greater overall well-being.

Activities That Support Healthy Aging:

• Puzzles, games, and brain-stimulating challenges

• Music, art, and creative expression

• Hobbies that bring joy and curiosity

• Regular social interaction

Unfortunately, recent data show that 1 in 2 LGBTQIA2+ older adults experience isolation, loneliness, or a lack of companionship.

How Carolina Aging Alliance Helps Combat Isolation

We host and co-sponsor events every month, including:

• Intergenerational programs

• Artistic and creative workshops

• Group outings to theater performances

• Community meals and social gatherings

These events foster connection, joy, and belonging.

Access to Affirming Health Care

Many LGBTQIA2+ older adults worry that their sexual orientation, gender identity, or HIV status may be disclosed without consent — and that such disclosures could compromise their health care.

A recent survey of LGBTQIA2+ adults aged 45+ found:

• 1 in 3 LGBQ adults have concerns about discrimination in health care.

• 2 in 3 transgender and gender diverse adults share these concerns.

Finding Culturally Competent, Affirming Care

Affirming health care matters. The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) maintains a Health Care Equality Index, a powerful tool for locating inclusive and equitable health care facilities. It includes:

• LGBTQIA2+-affirming policies

• Bias-reduction standards

• A searchable directory of inclusive providers

How Carolina Aging Alliance Supports Healthy Aging

Carolina Aging Alliance is committed to improving quality of life for all LGBTQIA2+ older adults through:

• Inclusion

• Advocacy

• Education

• Positive social engagement

Becoming involved is simple:

• Follow us on social media (Facebook) (Instagram)

• Subscribe to our newsletter (Subscribe)

• Join our events, walks, and community programs

We celebrate the strengths, resilience, and history of LGBTQIA2+ elders while providing resources that address their unique needs throughout North Carolina.

Ready to connect, engage, and thrive? Join the Carolina Aging Alliance community and discover activities, resources, and support designed for LGBTQIA2+ elders across North Carolina.

Joel G. Anderson, PhD, CHTP, FGSA, is the Joan L. Creasia Endowed Professor at the University of Tennessee College of Nursing and a member of the Carolina Aging Alliance Board of Directors. His research examines family quality of life in dementia and issues related to caregiving, including the use of digital health resources as part of the caregiving experience and the unique needs of LGBTQIA2+ caregivers and older adults.