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Homosexual partnerships and homosexual longevity: a replication
1Family Research Institute, Inc., Colorado Springs 80962, USA.
Psychological Reports
|November 6, 2002
Summary
Older homosexual adults are underrepresented in population surveys. Data suggest that homosexual partnering may be associated with an earlier age of death for men.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Sociology
- Public Health
Background:
- Previous research indicates homosexual individuals are underrepresented in older age groups.
- Surveys suggest older homosexuals are more likely to have a partner.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the age distribution of homosexual individuals.
- To examine the relationship between homosexual partnering and age at death.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of data from the 1996 National Household Survey of Drug Abuse (N=12,381) and the 2000 Kaiser Family Foundation survey (N=405).
- Examination of death records (N=228) from The Washington Blade (1999-2001).
Main Results:
- Both surveys indicated homosexual men and women are seldom aged 50 years and older.
- Among deceased homosexual men, the median age of death was 45 years for partnered individuals and 46 years for unpartnered individuals.
Conclusions:
- Homosexual individuals appear underrepresented in older age demographics.
- Homosexual partnering may be associated with increased mortality risk in men.