LGBT+ concerns of ageing and accessing aged care services in Australia: A cross-sectional study

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First published online 26 August 2025.

Why this study was done

Australia’s population is ageing, and more people will need aged care services in the future. LGBT+ older adults may face additional challenges because many have experienced discrimination, stigma, or exclusion throughout their lives, including in healthcare settings.

This study was conducted to better understand:

  • The concerns LGBT+ people have about ageing
  • Their worries about accessing aged care services in Australia

The researchers wanted to identify ways aged care services can become safer, more respectful, and more inclusive.

What the study did

Researchers conducted a cross-sectional survey involving 171 LGBT+ adults in Australia.

Participants answered questions about:

  • Their concerns about getting older
  • Health and wellbeing
  • Social relationships and support
  • Experiences and expectations of aged care services

The researchers analysed responses to identify the most common themes and concerns.

What the study found

The study found that LGBT+ participants were most concerned about:

  • Physical health and loss of independence as they age
  • Loneliness, isolation, and abandonment
  • Fear of discrimination or mistreatment in aged care settings
  • Aged care staff not understanding or respecting LGBT+ identities
  • Services failing to recognise important relationships or chosen family structures
  • Concerns about entering religious-based aged care services that may not feel inclusive

The findings showed that emotional wellbeing and social connection were just as important as physical health concerns.

What this means

The study highlights that ageing can be more complex for LGBT+ people because of fears about discrimination, exclusion, and loss of identity in care settings.

Feeling safe, respected, and socially connected plays an important role in healthy ageing. The findings suggest that many LGBT+ older adults may avoid or delay accessing aged care services if they do not believe services are inclusive.

This study was conducted by: Dr. Krystle Scott, Professor Daniel Brown, Associate Professor Annette Bromdal, Dr. Joseph Debattista, Ms. Ann Matson, Ms. Jennifer Sargent, Mr. Chris Howard, Mr. Ged Farmer, Ms. Lisa Wojciechowski, Professor Lisa Beccaria, Professor Amy Mullens.

First published online 26 August 2025.

Why this study was done

Australia’s population is ageing, and more people will need aged care services in the future. LGBT+ older adults may face additional challenges because many have experienced discrimination, stigma, or exclusion throughout their lives, including in healthcare settings.

This study was conducted to better understand:

  • The concerns LGBT+ people have about ageing
  • Their worries about accessing aged care services in Australia

The researchers wanted to identify ways aged care services can become safer, more respectful, and more inclusive.

What the study did

Researchers conducted a cross-sectional survey involving 171 LGBT+ adults in Australia.

Participants answered questions about:

  • Their concerns about getting older
  • Health and wellbeing
  • Social relationships and support
  • Experiences and expectations of aged care services

The researchers analysed responses to identify the most common themes and concerns.

What the study found

The study found that LGBT+ participants were most concerned about:

  • Physical health and loss of independence as they age
  • Loneliness, isolation, and abandonment
  • Fear of discrimination or mistreatment in aged care settings
  • Aged care staff not understanding or respecting LGBT+ identities
  • Services failing to recognise important relationships or chosen family structures
  • Concerns about entering religious-based aged care services that may not feel inclusive

The findings showed that emotional wellbeing and social connection were just as important as physical health concerns.

What this means

The study highlights that ageing can be more complex for LGBT+ people because of fears about discrimination, exclusion, and loss of identity in care settings.

Feeling safe, respected, and socially connected plays an important role in healthy ageing. The findings suggest that many LGBT+ older adults may avoid or delay accessing aged care services if they do not believe services are inclusive.

This study was conducted by: Dr. Krystle Scott, Professor Daniel Brown, Associate Professor Annette Bromdal, Dr. Joseph Debattista, Ms. Ann Matson, Ms. Jennifer Sargent, Mr. Chris Howard, Mr. Ged Farmer, Ms. Lisa Wojciechowski, Professor Lisa Beccaria, Professor Amy Mullens.