Gay, elderly and alone.

[Bluebear]

No, not me, ya jerks! :)

====
BBC newsclip:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/7808264.stm

Gay people face particular challenges as they get older.

In the US, there's concern that prejudice from care workers pushes many back into the closet. Many spend their final years alone.

Volunteers for charities like SAGE (Services and Advocacy for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual & Transgender Elders) are doing their bit to help out.




webpage:

http://www.sageusa.org/index.cfm

====

What a great program, would that it could spread nationwide!

[Behind the Aegis]

1. Have you signed up?!

;)

There is a nursing home in AZ, one of the only ones I have ever heard of that allows (how sad to say that) gay couples to reside together and allows for one to continue living there after the other has passed over.

[Bluebear]

2. There are properties in Santa Fe, Palm Springs, soon in Vancouver & the Bay area...

http://www.rainbowvisionprop.com/

'Your home at RainbowVision is your private oasis. Enjoy a level of resort style hospitality that can only be found at RainbowVision, the first community of its kind in the world.

Experience Life Made Easy in Your Community for the Second Fifty Years. Superb amenities include concierge services, first class dining, Billie Jean King Fitness Centers/Spas/Tennis Centers, cabaret and lounge and so much more.'

====


It's a nice idea, yes?

[Skittles]

3. I will be gay so I can enjoy the amenities

yes INDEED :D

[Bluebear]

4. You would be most entirely welcome!

[bluedawg12]

12. Great idea! My dream is to build one of these - someday.

When I win the lotto.

But the site has good info. I jst read somewhere that elderly gays are at greater risk with caretakers because the elder care service people may be homophobic, or the gay elder is reluctant to share true stories about themselves and are self protective and fearful of abuse.

As boomers age, this is going to be a real concern. Glad to see it discussed.

[RetiredTrotskyite]

5. I Think That These Communities Are Wonderful

It is wonderful to see alternatives to more traditional care situations being made available to GLBT seniors. It is tragic that so many of our seniors are forced to live alone because of homophobia, either real or perceived, on the part of caregivers. As the gay population starts to age, it is good to know that they won't have to necessarily rely on traditional nursing homes/ assisted living situations. i hope we see more of these things as time goes on.

I noticed that Olivia has a lesbian oriented residential community in Tucson, AZ. Although it is open to younger people, according to their site, the majority of residents are aged 55 to 70. It's a bit pricey for me but it is nice to see safe space being created. Now, if we could see more GLBT housing so that there could be safe space for all.

Thanks for posting this, Bluebear--it made my day.:)

[SacredCow]

6. Surely that IS a big concern....

I'm an old fuddy-duddy at heart, so I have a bunch of gay friends in the AARP set. Of course, some have family and partners to help them, but others are very much alone.

[Bluenorthwest]

7. Great information

Useful and deserving of support and eventual patronage...time marches on! Elder care is also a concern for many others who are perhaps straight, but not narrow . Something for all of us to think about, and work on. Bookmarked.

[Jamastiene]

8. I'm afraid I'll always be alone.

I dread the thought of living in the streets, but that's what I see in my future. The older I get, the worse it is going to be too. It's going to be horrendous.

[bluedawg12]

10. Jama you won't be always alone. You are way to good and bright

and have a ton of great qualities to offer.

If anything, you will make a great catch.

Someone once told me the same thing years ago, when I said what you said about being alone.

You know what? They were right about me and I am spot on about you!

It took me a long time to find the right person, but I never gave up. It was worth the wait.

Do not give up. Positive things happen only when you hope, plan and work for them. Seriously.

Just keep that in mind when someday you come and visit me with flowers in the old folks home. ;-)

[Ioo]

9. One of my biggest fears in life.

My partner is a little older, but has some medical issues. I am scared I will be alone.

[bluedawg12]

11. That's a concern many of us share.

The internet helps keep people connected.

Someday, when I win the lottery, I will build a nice closed, safe, community for GLBTIQ folks, in a warm place for our *ahem* golden years.

I bet we'd have a great time. :fistbump:

[mitchtv]

17. Happening here too partner was just 72 in nov

I take care of hm, but I just started to display symtoms of parkinsons. Now its a race

[donco6]

13. I've already had cancer once.

I have a feeling I'll be leaving Dwaine alone. I worry. But he's like his dad - stubbornly independent.

[bluedawg12]

14. ...

(((donco6 & Dwaine)))

Be well.

doggy :hi:

[donco6]

15. Thanks!

One thing I've learned is that you really have to balance what you want to do "someday" with what you want to do, period. There's a lot of truth in that Bucket list movie.

Love your posts, BTW. Thanks for all your hard work.

[bluedawg12]

16. True about the priorities in life. :)

Thank you for the kind words.

[TWiley]

18. excommunication is a religious punishment

and it is being administered by the state by not allowing all people to create and maintain legal social networks.