Conceptualizing transgender and gender-diverse older adults as a vulnerable population: A systematic review

While extant literature clearly illustrates the negative experiences of transgender and gender-diverse (TGD) people, the intersection between TGD identity and older age in producing vulnerability is poorly understood. The Vulnerable Populations Conceptual Model (VPCM) provides a framework for identifying vulnerable communities. Understanding access to resources, relative risks, and health status experienced by TGD older adults is critical in developing person-centered interventions.

A systematic review using PRISMA guidelines was used. CINAHL, Medline, PubMed, and PsycINFO were searched for studies published from 2017 to 2022.

Of the seventeen articles included, no articles were based from a nursing journal. Synthesis of findings described TGD older adults as a vulnerable population with limited access to resources and several risks leading to poor health status.

Identifying TGD older adults as a vulnerable population is critical to understand their unique needs. The findings underline implications in nursing education, practice, and research.