Home > What We're Here For > Aging

Aging

As a group, LGBTQ+ older adults experience unique economic and health disparities. LGBTQ+ older adults may disproportionately be affected by poverty and physical and mental health conditions due to a lifetime of unique stressors associated with being a minority, and may be more vulnerable to neglect and mistreatment in aging care facilities. They may face dual discrimination due to their age and their sexual orientation or gender identity. Generational differences and lack of legal protection may cause older LGBTQ+ adults to be less open about their sexuality. Social isolation is also a concern because LGBTQ+ older adults are more likely to live alone, more likely to be single and less likely to have children than their heterosexual counterparts. All of these considerations can be compounded by intersections of sex, race, ethnicity and disability.

We're here to reduce isolation among LGBTQ+ seniors and increase the number of LGBTQ+ culturally competent senior service providers. 

The Silver Pride Project coffee hour

The Silver Pride Project is a Pride Center initiative that’s all about creating better conversations and improved social engagement with our older members of the LGBTQ+ community. By understanding people’s experiences we can facilitate greater social connectivity, improve social inclusion and evolve services to meet the needs of our LGBTQ+ elders.
The Silver Pride Coffee Hour is an opportunity for LGBTQ+ seniors to come together and enjoy a morning of refreshments and conversation. 
The friendly health promotion team of the Silver Pride Project welcomes you to get on board to share experiences, interact with other members of the LGBTQ+ community and create a healthier, active and social lifestyle for yourself and those around you.

Check our calendar for dates, times, and locations. Sign up for our e-newsletter for upcoming special events. You can also join our online community on Facebook. 

LEGAL SUPPORT FOR SENIORS

We have partnered with Center for Elder Law & Justice to offer free civil legal services for those who self-identify as LGBTQ+, are age 50+, and meet income restriction guidelines.

Services include:

  • Advance Planning: Power of Attorney, Health Care Proxy, Simple Wills
  • Name Changes
  • Gender Marker Changes
  • Discrimination Claims: Employment and Housing Discrimination
  • Long Term Care Resident  Advocacy
  • Legal Health "Check-ups"

For more information or to discuss representation, contact Christopher Phillips, Esq. at (716) 853-3087 ext.283 or via email at cphillips@elderjusticeny.org

The program is sponsored by the Borchard Foundation Center on Law & Aging.