Old age meaning, support networks, and delivery services of gay men and lesbians 60 years and older

The purpose of this study was to explore the meaning of old age, the support networks, the needs, and delivery services among gay men and lesbians 60 years and older.;The theoretical approach that guided this study was the social constructionism. A mixed method with a sequential explanatory design was used. A non-probabilistic sampling procedure was used in the first phase. A total of 43 individuals participated in the survey. Of these, 17 were female and 26 were male. In the second phase, six individual interviews were conducted. Three men and three women who participated in the first phase of the study comprised the second phase sample. All the participants reside in Puerto Rico.;It is concluded that, elderly gay and lesbian signify old age as gain instead of loss. Couple relationships, family, and friends are valued as a support network. The elderly gay and lesbians express that they have similar needs to those of the heterosexual elderly population. People who intervene with the elderly gay and lesbians require knowledge, skills, and sensitivity to deal with the heterogeneity of old age. The formulation of a comprehensive public policy on old age requires the inclusion of legal dispositions on non-discrimination regarding sexual orientation, among others, as well as, services, programs, and projects sensitive to human diversity.;The results of this research provide social workers and other professionals with an understanding of the social environment in which elderly gay men and lesbians interact. They suggest ideas and proposals for the development of future studies. They bring knowledge to minimize discrimination and the invisibility of this group, and improve the quality of life of the elderly gay and lesbian.