The purpose of this consultation was to gather information to increase understanding of the experiences of older adults who are Two-Spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and intersex, or who use other terms related to gender and sexual diversity (2SLGBTQI+) and living at home.

Who was the focus of this consultation

The Government of Canada engaged with people who are:

• Two-Spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and/or intersex, or who use other terms related to gender and sexual diversity (2SLGBTQI+)
• aged 55 and over
• currently residing in Canada and
• living at home (for example, excludes long-term care or acute care facilities)

Key questions for discussion

The questionnaire sought ideas and input around 6 key themes:

• housing
• health and care
• services and supports
• social networks
• finance and legal
• personal information

The input that was gathered through this process could support policy development as part of the commitment of the Government of Canada’s first Federal 2SLGBTQI+ Action Plan. The action plan aims to advance rights and equality for 2SLGBTQI+ people in Canada.

What we heard

This study found themes shared with the general population. These included:

• wanting to age in their own homes and communities,
• worrying about rising living costs, and
• having enough retirement income.

Most 2SLGBTQI+ older adults expressed a strong desire to age in place, viewing institutional and long-term care negatively. However, few had made concrete plans, including financial arrangements for home care and services.

The What we heard report highlights 4 key themes (4Ss) that help 2SLGBTQI+ older adults age in place:

• Safety
• Stability
• Social support
• Society

This study helps strengthen 2SLGBTQI+ data and could inform future policies and programs. Suggestions include:

• Improving access, availability and affordability of health and care services.
• Setting professional standards for health care and requiring 2SLGBTQI+ awareness training
• Supporting and funding more 2SLGBTQI+ inclusive services and organizations
• Supporting alternative aging and housing models
• Improving data, awareness and visibility
• Improving financial and housing security

Consult the Helping 2SLGBTQI+ older adults to age in place: What we heard report.

Related information

Terms and acronyms change. While some terms referencing sexual and/or gender-diversity have fallen out of favour or are no longer in common use, new terms have been created, or even reclaimed, to be more inclusive to reflect today’s broader 2SLGBTQI+ community.

Learn more about the common terms and acronyms used by the Government of Canada.

Contact us

Employment and Social Development Canada

C/O Social Research Division
140, Promenade du Portage, Phase IV, 3^rd floor, Office 3A084
Gatineau (Quebec) K1A 0J9

By email: NC-RESEARCH-INNOVATION-GD@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca

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