TPC-Digests-V1-Issues-123

A b s t r a c t Consideration of older adult lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) persons in gerontological research is lacking, leaving professional counselors without a substantive bridge with which to connect resources with treatment planning when working with sexual minorities. Therefore, presented here is an overview of aging research related to older adult LGBT individuals and suggestions for professional counselors who work with these populations. March 9th, 2011 John E. Mabey The study of aging in the field of gerontology provides valuable data and practical implications for professionals in any field who may have contact with an older adult population. For professional counselors, utilizing this knowledge about aging on the social, psychological, and biological levels is important when working with clients around issues of adjustment and transition across the lifespan and into old age. Consideration of older adult lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) persons is often lacking in gerontological research, and this leaves professional counselors with fewer resources to utilize concerning treatment planning with older adult sexual minorities. Indeed, this lack of research becomes even more problematic for professional counselors as the population of older adult individuals is expected to rise dramatically over the next decade. Transitioning into old age, individuals may face challenges concerning independence, finances, C ounseling O lder A dults in LGBT C ommunities TPC Digest Go To Article