Aging-Related Information Needs and Barriers Experienced by LGBT+ Older Adults

Abstract

Abstract Society is experiencing a global shift in which older people now outnumber children five years and younger in many countries. This demographic aging has profound implications for library and information professionals, and yet research into the information needs of older adults – especially from diverse backgrounds – remains underdeveloped. This study seeks to help address this gap by studying the aging-related information needs and barriers of LGBT+ older adults. Interviews with 25 LGBT+ older adults in East Tennessee were analyzed using thematic analysis to identify five need (e.g., culturally competent care, LGBT+ specific services, social support, planning, and caregiver services) and seven barrier (e.g., stigma, discrimination, fewer personal resources, identity concealment, staff limitations, personality, ageism and elder abuse) themes. Beyond the aging focus, the study brings attention to the need for more research on intersectional populations in general and offers one of the first – perhaps only – studies of the information needs of LGBT+ older adults. It also presents a challenge to librarians and other information professionals in considering how to fight inequities for intersectional populations. Future research will consider how to meet needs and address the barriers LGBT+ older adults face.

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