Retirement Concerns on Aging ​

Are you getting to that point in life where age has become a concern? Read on!!! On March 27, the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s Health & Aging team and SAGE received recognition from the American Society on Aging (ASA) for their collaborative work. ## A Partnership for LGBTQ+ Elder Equity For years, HRC and SAGE have partnered to address the unique needs and challenges faced by LGBTQ+ older adults seeking long-term care. Their joint efforts include the development of the Long-Term Care Equality Index (LEI), the first nationwide assessment measuring how care facilities serve LGBTQ+ residents—building on the foundation laid by HRC’s Healthcare Equality Index[2]. Facilities are encouraged to join this initiative by signing the “Commitment to Caring” pledge, signaling their dedication to equity and inclusion[2]. ## The Reality for LGBTQ+ Elders in Care Research underscores the urgency of this work: a national survey found that only 22% of LGBTQ+ elders in long-term care feel safe being open about their identity with staff, while 89% predict discrimination, and 43% report actual mistreatment[2]. Many fear returning to the closet due to discrimination, and these issues are compounded for Black and Latinx LGBTQ+ elders, who face additional barriers rooted in racial and ethnic bias[2]. ## Tools, Training, and Advocacy Alongside the LEI, SAGE has provided cultural competency training for care providers across the country, aiming to create safer, more welcoming environments for LGBTQ+ elders[2]. HRC and SAGE have also produced essential guides, such as “Facing the Future Together: FAQ’s, Guidance & Resource for LGBTQ+ Older Adults,” to help elders, caregivers, and providers navigate community, healthcare, financial, safety, and legal resources[1]. Their advocacy continues to spotlight the importance of visibility and dignity for LGBTQ+ elders, even as external pressures attempt to erase vital resources[1]. ## Moving Forward This partnership—and the recent ASA recognition—reflect a broader commitment to ensuring that LGBTQ+ elders receive equitable, respectful care. The collaboration between HRC and SAGE is a model for how advocacy and direct service can work together to make lasting change for marginalized communities in the aging space.