Integrating LGBTQ Aging Related Content Into Post-Secondary Curricula

TL;DR

This paper discusses the need for integrating LGBTQ aging content into education to improve care for LGBTQ older adults who face unique challenges.

Contribution

The paper introduces two new toolkits designed to help educators incorporate LGBTQ aging topics into their curricula.

Findings

LGBTQ older adults face significant health and social disparities due to discrimination.

Few educational programs address the unique needs of LGBTQ aging populations.

The developed toolkits provide practical resources for faculty to integrate this content into their courses.

Abstract

Everyone deserves access to high-quality, compassionate care as they age. However, many LGBTQ older adults have faced discrimination when seeking services and often experience greater health, economic, and social disparities compared to their peers. With smaller informal support networks, they are more likely to rely on formal services—yet fear and past discrimination can discourage them from doing so. It is essential for students, especially those in healthcare-related fields, to understand the unique needs and challenges of LGBTQ aging. Despite this, few courses address the topic, and many faculty members have not been exposed to LGBTQ aging in their academic training. To bridge this gap, the Minnesota Northstar Geriatric Workforce Enhancement Program (GWEP) developed two resources: the LGBTQ Aging Care Toolkit (2023) and the HIV & Aging Toolkit (2024). These community-developed, peer-reviewed toolkits provide ready-to-use interprofessional modules to support faculty in integrating LGBTQ aging content into their curricula. This session will explore the development of these toolkits and strategies for incorporating them into existing aging-related courses.