Health and Aging among Middle and Later Age Transgender Populations

Abstract

This chapter explores age-based variations in the healthcare experiences of transgender people. Specifically, we outline how transgender people narrate their experiences with coming out and transition in later life as well as possibilities for future research and clinical practice concerning older transgender populations. To this end, we begin with a review of the limited literature on older transgender populations including the ways such findings converge and diverge from studies of younger transgender populations. Then, we analyze data gathered from older transgender people throughout the United States concerning their experiences with health events, healthcare providers, and healthcare settings. For this empirical analysis, we draw on over 250 qualitative responses from transgender people over the age of 40. The findings of this chapter demonstrate the importance of adjusting existing healthcare protocols to provide adequate care for aging transgender populations. Specifically, our analyses highlight gaps in access and quality of healthcare delivery as well as issues related to medical education, trans-inclusive protocols, and sex-gender segregated medical traditions. The implications of our work here reveal important possibilities for expanding transgender healthcare access as well as existing barriers to such access. We specifically utilize the case of our respondents and the existing literature to illuminate gaps in needs assessment and healthcare delivery concerning older transgender populations. We will conclude the chapter with recommendations for bridging such gaps in research, education, and system operation.

Citation

Nowakowski, A.C.H., Sumerau, J.E. and Mathers, L.A.B. (2021), "Health and Aging among Middle and Later Age Transgender Populations", Johnson, A.H., Rogers, B.A. and Taylor, T. (Ed.) Advances in Trans Studies: Moving Toward Gender Expansion and Trans Hope (Advances in Gender Research, Vol. 32), Emerald Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 9-27. https://doi.org/10.1108/S1529-212620210000032002