Few times in our last classes the question of same sex couples was raised and I would like to share a fascinating article that I found. The article “Gay Seniors Gaining More Options for Retirement Communities” states that the number of LGBT elders reached 3 million and is expected to double in the next 25 years, which brings an issue of where these people are going to retire, if, for example, they do not want to live in heterosexual retirement communities. As we learned from the class discussions same-sex couples tend to reach more for the community help than for the family help, moreover taking into consideration all the struggles they go through that heterosexual couples do not experience, I think many of them would feel more comfortable retiring as the article says “where their needs and life experiences will be understood”. The article discusses few examples of retirement communities that were created specifically for LGBT population (for example, RainbowVision Santa Fe, New Mexico; Triangle Square in Hollywood, California; The Palms of Manasota, Palmetto, Florida). These communities are supportive of LGBT population and they can live open lifestyle. The number of these communities in the U.S. is still low, around 25, mostly in Arizona, New Mexico, and Florida, as well as Boston, Los Angeles, New York, and Palm Springs. None of these communities are exclusive of heterosexual people because of anti-discrimination laws; therefore heterosexual individuals can move in too.
Questions for the class:
1) Are you in favor or against LGBT retirement communities? How effective do you think it is to build such separate communities?
2) When you retire, would you prefer to live in a retirement community or in a regular one?
Article link:
http://www.silverplanet.com/housing/gay-seniors-gaining-more-options-retirement-communities/56300
I definitely am in support of LGBT retirement communities. If that is what people of that community are for and feel most comfortable, I think it should be supported and definitely developed. Personally, when I retire I think I would prefer to retire in a regular community. It may be my stubbornness about accepting my age, but I could not see myself living in a retirement community.
ReplyDeleteI am in favor of LGBT retirement communities for several reasons. One, i feel that this would provide some people of that LGBT population a safe and welcoming place to retire. Aging is already viewed to many older adults as a scary process and it may be relieving to some to know they can enter a community that welcomes their sexuality. Also, this may make it easier for LGBT individuals to find companions when they retire due to some people begin less open to their sexuality. I personally would rather choose to retire in a regular retirement community. I feel that in this community I would be surrounded by more people who I could identify- however i would not reject being friends with any LGBT people in that regular retirement community.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Alek and Meggie, I would prefer to retire in a regular community myself, but since I do not belong to the LGBT community it is hard for me to say what this segment of the population wants. I feel like separate retirement community is almost like a defense mechanism, because they do NOT feel welcomed in a regular communities therefore they would rather live with people with the same experiences and lifestyles. From my point of view if the LGBT discrimination is reduced in the U.S. there would be no need for the special retirement communities.
ReplyDeleteI am also in agreement. I just think if people are able to choose to be somewhere then they should be allowed to do it. Everyone is looking to be happy and trying to make the most of everything out of life, who should be there to tell people (within reason) what they should be allowed and not be allowed to do. I personally am for this idea and for the idea that people should be where they want to be
ReplyDeleteI fully support GLBT communities as well. I think it is so nice for those who, at time, may feel they are out-casted in certain ways by society to have a place where they can feel accepted and at home. I think as people become older they care less and less what people think so perhaps these communities should be available to younger couples as well rather than being targeted more so to elder couples. Nevertheless, retired couples have a great deal of time on their hands so it would be very beneficial for them to have others to hang out with that support their lifestyle and understand them. My question is do these communities offer any benefits or special accommodations to these couples that are living together since they are not married and many states therefore can not grant certain rights to partners if something happens?
ReplyDeleteWhen I first think about it, this type of retirement community seems like a positive living arrangement because of the comfort of being surrounded by individuals who best understand your social situation. Enjoying later life is highly comprised of feeling comfortable in your own home, so it just makes sense that LGBTQ communities would provide comfort for individuals who are members of the LGBTQ community. On the other hand, however, I feel as if creating specific communities may isolate this group from the rest of the older adult population.
ReplyDeleteFor me personally, I would like to live in a retirement community but definitely not a group specific community. One of my favorite parts of our society is all of the different groups and cultures we have the opportunity to interact with, so I would hate to lose that in later life because of a group specific retirement community.
I don't think it is necessary to have retirement homes particular to the LGBT communities. I think this day and age everyone should be treated equally and its disrespectful to think they should be separated. I support the LGBT community, I have two gay uncles. If that's something of their choosing, and they would rather be surrounded by people of that community then it is okay. But I personally think that's a little bit offensive. My uncles don't like it when people point our their sexuality or treat them different. They recently wanted to rent a condo in Florida and they weren't allowed to because of their sexuality. It really upsets me that people believe that treating people like that is okay.
ReplyDeleteI am in completely support of LGBT communities. I am not sure how I feel about building separate communities. I feel that we are all different and need to find better ways to stay together rather than fighting to be a part.
ReplyDeleteI don't know where I want to live when I am older. I just hope that I am with the people who love me and want to help take care of me.
Thank you Ryan for bringing an interesting point - retirement community vs. a group specific community. I think I would also like to live in a retirement community as well, however, I want it to be as diverse as possible. After studying at very diverse Kent State University and then switching to Miami University, which is a totally homogenous society, I understood that a lack of diversity is a serious disadvantage and a limitation for me. Therefore a place where I would like to retire should be ethnically and racially diverse and be welcoming to LGBT population as well.
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