Centre for Policy on Ageing



The influence of life experiences on attitudes towards homosexuality, and their affects on the way gay men negotiate later life
Author(s)	Adrian Lee
Journal title	Generations Review, vol 15, no 4, October 2005
Pages	pp 13-17
Source	(Editorial e-mail address) gr@ageing.ox.ac.uk
Keywords	Older men ; Sexual orientation ; Attitude ; Personal relationships ; Informal care ; Social surveys.
Annotation	The author synthesises and expands on his presentations at the 2004 conferences of the International Sociological Association (ISA) and the British Society of Gerontology (BSG). First, he addresses how the life experiences of 15 older gay men (aged 57-84) have influenced their personal attitudes towards homosexuality and "coming out". He argues that non-disclosure of homosexuality can create barriers between individuals and others with whom they interact. These barriers are maintained using cover stories and developed passing and distancing techniques. It is further argued that the negative impact of these barriers contradicts established concepts in this field. Examples from interview data show how participants limit the capacity for successful ageing, by reducing the individual's ability to fully access and use health services, as well as affecting informal support networks. (RH).
Accession Number	CPA-051122203 A
Classmark	BC: ES6: DP: DS: P6: 3F
Data © Centre for Policy on Ageing

...from the Ageinfo database published by Centre for Policy on Ageing.