It’s About Time:  LGBT Aging in a Changing World

SAGE’s Fourth National Conference on LGBT Aging

Sponsored by

October 12 – 14, 2008

New York Marriott at the Brooklyn Bridge

The Clock is Ticking. Over the next quarter century, the number of seniors in America is projected to grow geometrically from 12% to 20% of the total population. Since 6-8% of these individuals are likely to be lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT), by the year 2030, LGBT seniors age 65 and above are expected jump from 2.5 million to as many as 4.7 million. The current generation of LGBT seniors differs from their heterosexual counterparts in profound ways:

• Twice as likely to live alone
• Half as likely to have life partners or significant others
• Half as likely to have no close relatives to call for help; and
• Four times less likely to have children to help them.

Today’s LGBT seniors came of age when being open about one’s sexuality was a life-threatening act of extraordinary courage.  As a result, their expectations often have been shaped by the necessity of “surviving” rather than the aspiration of “thriving.”  The next generation of LGBT seniors, part of the “Boomer” generation, has decisively and proudly embraced their sexual orientation and gender identity.  Collectively they will be a powerful and insistent force in combating the marginalization and invisibility that has historically plagued older members of the LGBT population.  They will (and do) harbor high expectations about opportunities and fulfillment in their later years. 

Are You Ready?  To date, the mainstream aging field has given only limited attention to the challenges and benefits of serving LGBT seniors.  In addition, the organized LGBT community, which has made tremendous inroads in developing programs and services for youth and working adults, has paid almost no attention to the needs of its older population.  With 2.5 million LGBT seniors today, and another 2 million joining them in the next 25 years, shouldn’t you be prepared?

SAGE’s Fourth National Conference on LGBT Aging, It’s About Time: LGBT Aging in a Changing World, sponsored by AARP, will offer you resources, information, tools, insights, and networking opportunities to effectively address what LGBT aging will look like in the 21^st century.

What To Expect:

Over 75 sessions in the areas of service delivery, program development, health & wellness, spirituality and faith issues, policy shifts, cultural competency training, advocacy, current research trends, sexuality, access challenges, long term care, housing, and more.

Who should attend?

• Professionals in aging service delivery, long term care, programming, case work, health, elder law, housing,policy, and advocacy
• Researchers in the fields of aging, HIV and other health concerns, and LGBT studies
• Policymakers in offices for aging, retirement organizations, grantmaking programs and others affecting aging policy and service delivery
• Professionals, board members and activists in LGBT agencies ready to address an aging participant population; and
• Others interested in LGBT aging.

Registration information:

Registration for the conference is $250 ($200 before Sept. 30)
Registration for the October 12 preconference is $100

Discounts Available!
Conference registration is only $50 if you book at least one night at the hotel by August 30.