LGBTQ+ Aging and Retirement Issues - A Critical Review of Current Studies and Knowledge Gaps

March 2025

Authors

Julie Duda
Associate Vice President
Deloitte Consulting

Bri Bloxsom
Manager
Deloitte Consulting

Manshreya Grover
Senior Consultant
Deloitte Consulting

Executive Summary

This paper presents a detailed review of select studies on the experiences and challenges faced by LGBTQ+ older adults, particularly in the context of aging and retirement. Through a systematic analysis of fourteen studies, this review aims to provide a nuanced understanding of the issues encountered by this population, highlighting key themes including discrimination, healthcare access, social support, resilience, end-of-life preparation, and mental health.

There exists a broad body of scholarly work that has shed light on the distinct challenges and experiences of aging LGBTQ+ adults in the United States. This research underscores a number of issues, particularly financial and health disparities, social isolation, and housing challenges. The literature selected for this paper aligns to these themes from the broader body of research. However, it should be noted that many LGBTQ+ adults have experiences that vary from these general themes, and it is important to acknowledge the nuances inherent in the research. 

Material

LGBTQ+ Aging and Retirement Issues

Acknowledgements

The authors’ deepest gratitude goes to those without whose efforts this project could not have come to fruition: the volunteers who generously shared their wisdom, insights, advice, guidance, and arm’s-length review of this study prior to publication. Any opinions expressed may not reflect their opinions nor those of their employers. Any errors belong to the authors alone.

Project Oversight Group:

Alfonso Carrillo, FSA, EA
David Daly, ASA, MAAA, CERA
Cynthia Edwalds, FSA, ACAS, MAAA
Ronald Gebhardtsbauer, FSA, MAAA
Anna Rappaport, FSA, MAAA
Andrea Sellars, FSA, MAAA
Jonah von der Embse, FSA, CERA, MAAA

At the Society of Actuaries Research Institute:

Barbara Scott, Senior Research Administrator
Steven Siegel, Senior Research Actuary

The authors acknowledge the contributions of Ky Tracy and Nirupam Datta and thank each for their research support and guidance.

Questions or Comments?

Give us your feedback! Take a short survey on this report. Take Survey

If you have comments or questions, please send an email to research@soa.org