Challenges of Aging: Contextual Factors in Therapy With Older Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Clients

Older lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) adults face a unique set of challenges that intersect with both their sexual identities and the aging process. While society has made significant progress toward accepting diverse sexual orientations, older LGB individuals often remain marginalized and underserved. This narrative review explores the contextual factors that contribute to these challenges, including ageism, discrimination in health care, financial insecurity, mental health concerns, social isolation, intimacy, sexual health, and bereavement. The article highlights how these issues can be compounded by the historical stigmatization of LGB identities, creating barriers to receiving appropriate care. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of culturally competent therapeutic approaches that address the specific needs of this population. The goal is to provide clinicians with strategies for offering affirming, compassionate care to older LGB adults, ensuring that their mental, physical, and emotional health needs are adequately met.