Chapter 7: Grief among 2SLGBTQ+ seniors and elders

Introduction

The grief expert says
Kathy Kortes-Millers reports on research findings that reveal many seniors and elders feel less able to advocate for themselves.(3:22)Video transcript
The educator says
Mono Brown, End-of-Life doula, speaks about unrecognized loss within minority communities, including 2SLGBTQ+ seniors and elders.(3:22)Video transcript

After years of advocating for other 2SLGBTQ+ people, I now wonder, “Who will advocate for me when I’m no longer able to do that?” It’s scary. 

There have been lots of little losses along the way. I’ve noticed how much I’ve slowed down now. It’s hard not to be able to do all of the things I used to do. So much has changed. I didn’t know that getting older would feel like this.

For most seniors or elders, grief is a significant part of life. As you continue to age, old grief experiences will affect new ones. Some examples of losses that you may be grieving include the following:

  • Declining physical strength and mobility
  • Decline or absence of sexual drive and/or activity
  • Reduced income
  • Moving from your home
  • Your partner’s or your own move into care
  • Deaths of friends, family, partners, and pets

For 2SLGBTQ+ seniors and elders, there are additional challenges and sources of grief, which are outlined in this chapter.