The individual and social psychology of aging: clinical implications for lesbians and gay men.
This article examines issues regarding aging for homosexual people in an attempt to provide a more comprehensive understanding and appreciation of the meaning age has for women and men in our society. Through the use of case examples, clinical concerns and interventions are discussed as they relate to three broad areas. Specifically, the interrelated effects of ageism and heterosexism, normal changes in sexual response with age, and "accelerated aging" are explored. The relationship between social context and individual psychology provides the framework for this discussion. As the literature reviewed here indicates, there is a great deal of diversity among homosexual women and men in their experiences with aging. The strengths and insights which characterize many older homosexual men and women, however, provide valuable lessons for all men and women.
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External Education for the Human Sexuality Program, Graduate School of Education C1, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia 19104.
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000375:Aging / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D005783:Gender Identity; D006716:Homosexuality; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D012917:Social Adjustment; D012944:Social Support