A Call for LGBTQIA+ Intergenerational Programs: Towards a Collaborative and Connected Future for Queer Communities

Past research has shown that LGBTQIA+ mid-life to older adults are more at risk for social isolation and loneliness, which contributes to higher rates of health issues in older adult and LGBTQIA+ communities. In the current study, participants (n = 33) were interviewed about what social health factors impact their communities, which confirmed this past research of Attachments and Social Connections being important in the overall health of this population. Participants noted that specifically a lack of early positive interpersonal attachments to family, a need for more availability of community mentorship, and a lack of positive social connections across the life course impacted health. Participants discussed a solution of more Social Connections to reduce social connection issues. Implications of participant recommendations of personalizing social experiences, making social connections more positive, and creating well intentioned mentoring experiences can lead to more tailored intergenerational programing. Conclusions show that more social connections across the broader LGBTQIA+ community need to be made to instill future growth and hope for LGBTQIA+ communities as they age.