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Centre for Policy on Ageing | |
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Overcoming barriers for older gay men in the use of health services
— a qualitative study of growing older, sexuality and health | | Author(s) | David Clover |
| Journal title | Health Education Journal, vol 65, no 1, March 2006 |
| Pages | pp 41-52 |
| Source | http://www.rsmpress.co.uk/pub/hej.htm |
| Keywords | Sexual orientation ; Older men ; Health services ; Usage [services] ; Personal relationships ; Sexual activity ; Qualitative Studies ; London. |
| Annotation | While noting that a cultural change is needed in service provision to older people and their carers, the National Service Framework for Older People (NSF) does not acknowledge needs in terms of sexuality or sexual difference. This qualitative study explores older gay men's experiences in relation to health, gaps in health and social care services, and how primary care services could better meet older gay men's needs or concerns. A variety of recruitment methods were used to identify 10 gay man aged between 60 and 70 living in Greater London. These men were interviewed in their own homes using a semi-structured interview schedule. Each participant was given a pseudonym. Analysis of the interviews revealed that older gay men may view health services with caution, having experiences of, expectations of, discrimination of poorer quality care or treatment. Older gay men may not disclose their sexuality to health providers, and may find some needs unmet, particularly around areas of partner and other social relationships. Policy makers and practitioners must deal with the current silence around ageing and sexuality in health services policy. Services need to consider whether they are best responding to the needs of older gay men in their communities, ensure cultural competence, and make efforts to demonstrate that they are seen to be open to or accepting of gay men, and to recognise the particular needs that older gay men may experience. (RH). |
| Accession Number | CPA-060424207 A |
| Classmark | ES6: BC: L: QLD: DS: BIU: 3DP: 82L |
Data © Centre for Policy on Ageing |
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| ...from the Ageinfo database published by Centre for Policy on Ageing. |
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