Main roads
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7 in 10 non-LGBTQ+ people age 50 and older know at least one person who is LGBTQ+
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However, LGBTQ+ people at that age are more concerned about aging
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They have more disabilities and don’t believe that US safety nets will support them as they age
THURSDAY, June 4, 2026 (NewsDay News) — LGBTQ+ people are woven into the lives of middle-aged and older Americans, a new national survey reports.
Nearly 7 in 10 non-LGBTQ+ people over 50 (69%) have at least one personal connection with an LGBTQ+ person, according to results from the University of Michigan’s National Survey on Healthy Aging.
The majority (56%) consider an LGBTQ+ person a friend, and 50% have an LGBTQ+ relative.
Another 15% said they have an LGBTQ+ coworker, and 10% have a neighbor who is open about being LGBTQ+.
“LGBTQ+ adults are part of the families and friendships of most older Americans” Christy Gamarelwho worked on this survey, said in a news release. He is an associate professor at the University of Michigan School of Public Health.
But despite their prevalence, LGBTQ+ people 50 and older are less confident than their peers that they can age gracefully.
LGBTQ+ older adults already experience higher levels of disability, loneliness and isolation than non-LGBTQ+ people their age, the survey found.
It also found that few feel they can count on support from social services, health, friends or family as they age.
“LGBTQ+ adults have experienced decades of social and political change that affect their communities,” he said. Wesley Correll-Kingpostdoctoral fellow at the Center for Population Studies at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor.
“Current policy changes and those on the horizon may affect their confidence in accessing health care or community resources as they age,” Correll-King said in the release.
The survey found that LGBTQ+ adults over 50 are less confident than their peers that as they age they will:
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Social support from their community organizations or resources (63% vs. 77%)
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Necessary medical services (81% vs. 86%)
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Support from family and friends (77% vs. 90%)
The survey also found that LGBTQ+ people aged 50 and older are worse off mentally and physically:
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19% rated their mental health as fair or poor, compared to 11% of their non-LGBTQ+ peers.
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56% reported a disability that limited their daily activities compared to 41% of their peers.
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12% have experienced discrimination in healthcare compared to 5% of their peers.
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20% experienced a lack of partnership in the past year, compared to 8% of non-LGBTQ+ respondents.
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18% reported feeling isolated compared to 6% of peers.
Healthcare providers need to do a better job of retaining older LGBTQ+ patients, refer them to social support networks and help reduce any barriers they face to care, the survey director said. Dr. Jeffrey Kullgren.
“Staying fit and encouraging more activities to strengthen social connections can in turn boost mental health and overall well-being,” she said. “At the same time, I also encourage providers to make their clinics more welcoming and inclusive.”
The survey surveyed 2,698 US adults 50 and older, including 404 LGBTQ+ adults. It was conducted over the phone and online in September 2025.
More information
American Psychological Association more about LGBTQ+ Aging.
Source: University of Michigan, release, June 1, 2026
What does this mean for you?
LGBTQ+ people are more common in middle and older age, but they also have more concerns about aging.
