Prevalence and predictors of elder abuse among Canadian LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender) and heterosexual older adults

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) older adults are a minority with long experience of trauma, isolation, stigma and discrimination. They are less likely than heterosexual peers to be partnered, have children or be supported by them. These characteristics make them potentially more vulnerable that other older adults to traditional forms of elder maltreatment (psychological, physical, sexual and financial abuse; neglect) and they may experience unique forms e.g. threats of “outing”. Little data are available concerning prevalence of elder abuse in the LGBT community; what is available comes mainly from studies of gay men. We also need to know more about subgroups within the heterosexual population – e.g., do rates/predictors vary by race/ethnicity, variables seldom examined in Canadian elder abuse or LGBT aging research. This information can be of high practical importance in devising targeted preventive programs and interventions.