Growing older female: heterosexual and homosexual

An analysis of the age-related content of "Personals" ads placed by heterosexual and homosexual women was undertaken to test hypotheses derived from theoretical notions about differences and similarities between lesbian and nonlesbian aging. No support was found for a hypothesized overrepresentation of older advertisers of either sexual orientation. Contrary to popular notions, lesbians were not found to be seeking young partners. However, age differences between groups did indicate support for "accelerated aging" among heterosexual women. Possible advantages of lesbian over nonlesbian women in their experience of aging are presented.