Purpose of the Study: Until recently, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) adults were excluded from full participation in civil marriage. The purpose of this study is to examine how legal marriage and relationship status are associated with health-promoting and at-risk factors, health, and quality of life of LGBT adults aged 50 and older.
Design and Methods: We utilized weighted survey data from Aging with Pride: National Health, Aging, and Sexuality/Gender Study (NHAS) participants who resided in states with legalized same-sex marriage in 2014 (N = 1,821). Multinomial logistic regression was conducted to examine differences by relationship status (legally married, unmarried partnered, single) in economic and social resources; LGBT contextual and identity factors; health; and quality of life.
Results: We found 24% were legally married, and 26% unmarried partnered; one-half were single. Those legally married reported better quality of life and more economic and social resources than unmarried partnered; physical health indicators were similar between legally married and unmarried partnered. Those single reported poorer health and fewer resources than legally married and unmarried partnered. Among women, being legally married was associated with more LGBT microaggressions.
GenericBlurb on April 14th, 2017 at 15:27 UTC »
I've always wondered how much of these benefits are attributable to marriage itself or the type of people who are likely to get married. If I have the kind of antisocial, antimarriage attitude, would the act of getting married even have closely similar effects with respect to those who are happier, more successful people already.
justplaydead on April 14th, 2017 at 14:27 UTC »
I could be wrong but isn't it the same for everyone at that age, not just LGBT? Marriage and family give people purpose. It gives people reason to live and stay healthy.
Amilo159 on April 14th, 2017 at 12:44 UTC »
How does that differ from non lgbt people?