Citation

Knochel KA, Flunker D. J. Appl. Gerontol. 2021; 40(11): 1542-1550.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2021, SAGE Publishing)

DOI

10.1177/0733464821992919

PMID

33576285

Abstract

PROBLEM: Transgender and nonbinary (TNB) older adults endure discrimination from medical providers and expect it in institutional long-term care. Gender identity-based discrimination is connected to negative health outcomes and reluctance to access needed care.
OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to explore how gender identity affects TNB older adults' fears, hopes, and plans for use of institutional long-term care.
METHOD: Co-investigators conducted semi-structured interviews with 24 TNB older adults in Minnesota, collaboratively analyzed the results using reflexive thematic analysis, and member-checked emergent themes.
FINDINGS: Oppression is central to participants' consideration of future long-term care. They fear mistreatment and loss of authentic gender expression and recognition in long-term care facilities. Fears of oppression factor into consideration of suicide and physical transition, although some participants hope societal shifts will lead to unbiased long-term care.
CONCLUSION: Creation of anti-oppressive institutional and community-based long-term care options is critical to effectively serve TNB people as they age into dependence.

Language: en

Keywords

Humans; Aged; Female; Male; Motivation; transgender; Gender Identity; institutional care; Sexism; long-term care; discrimination; Transgender Persons; Long-Term Care; health-related quality of life