Special Concerns for the LGBT Aging Patient: What Rehab Professionals Should Know

Purpose of Review The purpose of this review was to identify health disparities and culturally competent strategies for improving function and independence in a historically disadvantaged group. Recent Findings There are significant health disparities among LGBT older adults including increased disability rates, chronic conditions, and mental distress. There is a shift in the theoretical framework for addressing health disparities in LGBT older adults from an emphasis on minority stress theory, towards factors that facilitate resilience such as identity affirmation and social support networks. Summary Advocacy for cultural competency training and LGBT aging research is needed in multiple clinical domains including rehabilitation and geriatric care centers. There are very few studies that have identified effective intervention approaches for reducing mental health or mobility-related disparities in LGBT aging populations.