During Pride Month, while celebrating the achievements of the LGBTQ+ community, it is vital to acknowledge ongoing struggles, especially in healthcare access for aging individuals. Nearly 20% of LGBTQ+ people avoid medical care due to discrimination fears, deeply affecting older adults who have endured systemic marginalization. With nearly three million LGBTQ+ adults over 50 in the U.S., it's crucial for healthcare organizations like Oak Street Health to provide inclusive care. A tailored approach addressing physical, mental, and social well-being is essential for these communities, ensuring they receive adequate support throughout their healthcare journey.
Every Pride Month, we celebrate the resilience, visibility and achievements of the LGBTQ+ community. But amid the rainbow flags and joyful parades, it's also important to remember the quiet battles many of those who identify as LGBTQ+ still face, especially as they age.
Approximately 20% of LGBTQ+ people report avoiding medical care out of fear of discrimination. For older adults, many of whom have lived through decades of systemic marginalization and personal loss, that fear can be deeply ingrained.
At Oak Street Health, where I care for older adults on Medicare in Brooklyn, I see firsthand how critical it is to offer inclusive, affirming care.
It starts with a three-pronged approach: physical, mental and social well-being. Physically, our care model emphasizes prevention, chronic condition management and reducing avoidable hospitalizations.
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