Challenges and Opportunities for Equitable Aging for LGBTQ+ Older Adults in Rural Communities: A Community-Engaged Focus Group Study

Research on LGBTQ+ rural aging is sparse-thus limiting understanding on how best to support this population. Building on equitable aging theory, this community-engaged qualitative study incorporated data from 4 focus groups with 31 LGBTQ+ older adults in rural communities in California to examine challenges, thriving and surviving strategies, and recommendations for policy and practice. Data analysis identified six interrelated domains reflecting challenges and strengths regarding health, housing, technology, transportation, caregiving, and community for LGBTQ+ older adults in rural communities. We identified three themes to illustrate how these domains intersected across levels (micro, mezzo, macro) to explain equitable aging for LGBTQ+ older adults in rural communities: fractured culturally responsive health care and family fortifications, social connections and space, and affordable and accessible housing. Findings around health, housing, technology, transportation, caregiving, and community were interwoven throughout these themes and provide a blueprint for policymakers and practitioners to better support this population.