Ministry Serving Aging LGBTQIA+ Folks
Intersectionality issues faced by aging LGBTQIA+ individuals, challenges related to religion, and a forward-looking approach to create supportive and engaged communities of faith for this demographic. The content emphasizes the changing demographic landscape and highlights the need for inclusivity, understanding, and support for aging LGBTQIA+ individuals. Key themes include ageism, stigma, and health disparities within this community.
Uploaded on Mar 06, 2025 | 0 Views
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Ministry Serving Aging LGBTQIA+ Folks A N N E T T E A N N E T T E M I L E S K I A N D L E A R N I N G A N D L E A R N I N G M I L E S K I - - D I R E C T O R O F T H E C E N T E R F O R L I F E D I R E C T O R O F T H E C E N T E R F O R L I F E J E A N N I N E F O R R E S T , J E A N N I N E F O R R E S T , P H . D . , R . N A N D C A R E C O N S U L T A N T A N D C A R E C O N S U L T A N T P H . D . , R . N D E M E N T I A E D U C A T O R D E M E N T I A E D U C A T O R
Demographic landscape of our nation is changing In 2030 last baby boomer turns 65 1 out of 5 Americans will be classified as older adults (72 million) BIPOC 42% of population Currently 2.7 million people over 50 self identify as LGBTQIA+ Significance Wide spectrum of what it means to be aging 2 2
Intersectionality Ageism Stigma- Cognitive Disability and Sexuality Fear Health Disparities Homophobia
Challenges Religion a blessing and a curse: history of deep hurt from church; criminalization Living in a world of self sufficiency High level of social isolation Age alone without support of partner and children Boomers expect to be treated well Current political climate backlash
A Way Forward: Creating a Supportive and Engaged Community of Faith Provide opportunities for LGBTQIA+ to share their stories/spiritual journeys and resilience Invite Families of Choice Create avenues of communication Promote programs in LGBTQIA + organizations hard copies/newspapers not always social media; include images Schedule PRE- Pride events allows for all abilities Create Virtual experiences Provide larger print hymnals; hearing loops Show screening of Silent Generation Highlight varying cultural understanding of sexuality 5 5
Expand Concept of Spirituality 6 6
Nothing Can Separate Us From God s Love Romans 8: 31-39 Person is more than their mental or physical state Personhood is deeper than consciousness 8 8
I Think- Therefore, I Am Descartes 9 9
Stages Mild Middle Stage Late/Final Stage Cognitive Impairment Early Stage
Dementia Dementia Gradual, progressive decline progressive decline in at least two areas of brain functioning severe enough to AFFECT daily life. Memory Communication and language Attention Reasoning and judgment Visual perception A majority of dementias have no cure and are terminal Alzheimer s Association 2023 Alzheimer s Disease Facts and Figures.
What Might You Observe? Difficulty recalling events or decisions Difficulty following sequence in services Asking the same question repeatedly Getting lost in familiar places Lack of insight into deficits Mood swings, anxiety Social niceties remain Inappropriate behavior/language Difficulties with word finding Changes in dressing and grooming habits
What Remains? The Ability to Receive and Feel Love 1 5 1 5
Keep in Mind High levels of social isolation Less financial resources More likely to age without partner/spouse or children Reluctant to accept help Rely on family of choice Church members can be considered one s Family of Choice
Be Aware of Unique Needs HIGHER RISK FOR ABUSE AND HIGHER RISK FOR ABUSE AND DISCRIMINATION DISCRIMINATION TIME TRAVELING TIME TRAVELING May return back into the closet As brain changes, need for intimacy, inhibition/hypersexuality has been used to discriminate and abuse Change dressing/grooming habits to reflect current understanding of self As more physical assistance is needed a trans male or female may be outed
Develop Supportive Strategies More than Words Congregational survey identify interest and priority Preparation/education Inclusion in programming Offer -Dementia Basics Communication class to church community and friend Offer a buddy/companion to sit alongside during typical services Reach out to care partner/caregiver
Post Way Finding Signs 1 9 1 9
Learn How to Communicate Body language/smile/ tone of voice Introduce yourself, eye contact One question at a time 2 0 2 0
Shortened 30 minutes Familiar hymns Familiar bible passages Inclusive choirs Quiet spaces, well lit Comfort rooms Develop Dementia Friendly Services 2 1 2 1
Provide Dementia Friendly (Memory) Ministries Invite care partners Encourage participation ability focused Provide support groups for persons living with -and caring for
Private home or long term care communities Intergenerational visits Prayer shawls Companion through end of life Create Visiting Ministries 2 3 2 3
Learn to See What Gifts Dementia Has to Offer Exposes our idols of intellectualism and personal autonomy (Kenneth Carder) Learn to value the moment Breaks down walls of age, class, health, race, gender, abilities Enforces the need for compassion and interconnectedness Hospitality Teaches patience Gratitude Opportunity to minister to all God s people 2 4 2 4
New Ideas? Questions? 2 5 2 5
