Increased risks of needing long-term care among older adults living with same-sex partners

B. Hiedemann and L. Brodoff

American Journal of Public Health, 2013, vol. 103, issue 8, e27-e33

Abstract: Objectives. We examined whether older individuals living with same-sex partners face greater risks of needing long-term care than their counterparts living with different-sex partners or spouses. Methods. With data on older couples (at least 1 individual aged 60 years or older) from the 2009 American Community Survey, we estimated logistic regression models of 2 activity limitations that signal a long-term care need: difficulty dressing or bathing and difficulty doing errands alone. Results. When we controlled for age, race/ethnicity, and education, older women who lived with female partners were statistically significantly more likely than those who lived with male partners or spouses to have difficulty dressing or bathing. Older men who lived with male partners were statistically significantly more likely than those who lived with female spouses or partners to need assistance with errands. Conclusions. Older individuals living with same-sex partners face greater risks of needing long-term care than those living with different-sex partners or spouses, but the role of relationship status differs by gender. These findings suggest more broadly that older gay men and lesbians may face greater risks of needing long-term care than their heterosexual counterparts. © 2013 American Journal of Public Health.

Keywords: adult; article; chi square distribution; daily life activity; family size; female; health service; homosexuality; human; long term care; male; middle aged; risk factor; statistical model; United States; utilization review, Activities of Daily Living; Adult; Chi-Square Distribution; Family Characteristics; Female; Health Services Needs and Demand; Homosexuality; Humans; Logistic Models; Long-Term Care; Male; Middle Aged; Risk Factors; United States (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2013
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:aph:ajpbhl:10.2105/ajph.2013.301393_6

DOI: 10.2105/AJPH.2013.301393

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