The Lived Experience of Loneliness in Transgender Older Adults - A Qualitative Descriptive Study

Sep 29, 2026

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The Lived Experience of Loneliness in Transgender Older Adults - A Qualitative Descriptive Study examines loneliness among transgender adults aged 50 and over, addressing a critical gap in LGBTQIA+ aging research. Using the Health Equity Promotion Model, the study recruited participants from gender-affirming care centers in Maryland and transgender support groups. Semi-structured interviews and journaling were analyzed via conventional content analysis, revealing three themes: internal loneliness, longing for connection, and loneliness imposed by the outside world. Age and identity intensify marginalization, discrimination, later-life transitions, partner strain, and political fears, elevating isolation and loneliness.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages1

Reading Time3 min

AccessFree to download

Background and Purpose

Study Framework and Recruitment

Data Collection and Analysis

Emergent Themes of Loneliness

Implications for Individuals and Society

Innovation in Aging, 2025, Vol. 9, No. S2 1203 is to examine loneliness in transgender adults aged 50 and over and fill a critical knowledge gap within LGBTQIA+ aging research. Guided by the Health Equity Promotion Model, we conducted a qualitative descriptive study. Participants were sampled through gender affirming care centers in Maryland and local and national transgender support groups. Through semi-structured interviews and journaling, participants described their experiences with loneliness. Data were coded using conventional content analysis. Participants (N = 9) were 56-76 years old and had diverse gender identities. Three themes emerged regarding the lived experience of loneliness in transgender older adults: (1) loneliness on the inside; (2) longing for connection within relationships; (3) loneliness imposed by the outside world. The intersection of age and transgender identity heightens marginalization and elevates loneliness due to discrimination and social exclusion. Transitioning later in life, related to only recent access to gender affirming care, leads to complicated social challengesand partner strain increasing loneliness. Importantly, the current political climate has increased fear of persecution and discrimination; participants reported its tremendous impact on their isolation and loneliness. This study reveals that loneliness is prominent in transgender older adults. Given the unique vulnerabilities this population experiences, it is imperative that loneliness is addressed at both individual and societal levels. Abstract citation ID: igaf122.4027 THE LIVED EXPERIENCE OF LONELINESS IN TRANSGENDER OLDER ADULTS: A QUALITATIVE DESCRIPTIVE STUDY Katherine Bowers1, and Joan Carpenter2, 1. University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland, United States, 2. University of Maryland School of Nursing, Baltimore, Maryland, United States Loneliness affects more than a third of community dwelling older adults and is associated with poor physical and mental health, cognitive decline, and increased mortality. Transgender individuals experience health and socioeconomic disparities that place them at high risk for loneliness. The purpose of this study

FAQs

What was the purpose of the study on loneliness in transgender older adults?

The study aimed to examine loneliness in transgender adults aged 50 and over and fill a critical knowledge gap in LGBTQIA+ aging research.

How were participants recruited and what methods were used to collect data?

Participants were sampled through gender-affirming care centers in Maryland and local and national transgender support groups. Data were gathered using semi-structured interviews and journaling.

What themes described the lived experience of loneliness?

Three themes emerged: loneliness on the inside, longing for connection within relationships, and loneliness imposed by the outside world.

Sep 29, 2026

Upload by Aldword