Social Networks of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Older Adults

TLDR

According to social capital theory, social networks provide a vehicle for social resources that can be beneficial for successful aging and well‑being. The study examines global social networks (friendship, support, and acquaintance) of LGBT older adults and seeks to identify correlates of network size and diversity. Utilizing data from a large community‑based study, the authors employ multiple regression analyses to examine correlates of social network size and diversity. Network size is positively associated with being female, transgender identity, employment, higher income, having a partner or child, identity disclosure to a neighbor, religious activity, and service use, while network diversity is positively associated with younger age, being female, transgender identity, identity disclosure to a friend, religious activity, and service use.

Abstract

Purpose: This study examines global social networks—including friendship, support, and acquaintance networks—of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) older adults. Design and Methods: Utilizing data from a large community-based study, we employ multiple regression analyses to examine correlates of social network size and diversity. Results: Controlling for background characteristics, network size was positively associated with being female, transgender identity, employment, higher income, having a partner or a child, identity disclosure to a neighbor, engagement in religious activities, and service use. Controlling in addition for network size, network diversity was positively associated with younger age, being female, transgender identity, identity disclosure to a friend, religious activity, and service use. Implications: According to social capital theory, social networks provide a vehicle for social resources that can be beneficial for successful aging and well-being. This study is a first step at understanding the correlates of social network size and diversity among LGBT older adults.