Imagining the future of aged care for LGBTQIA+ adults

In partial fulfilment of the requirements for my Master of Design Futures at RMIT University, I’m conducting a research project focusing on the future of aged care for LGBTQIA+ adults. This research aims to contribute to the growing study and literature on designing safe, healthy, and equitable health and aging-related services for gender-diverse people.

As the ageing population continues to rise, so does the need to recognise and respond to the health disparities and challenges of diverse older adults, often more pronounced in minorities such as older LGBTIQA+ individuals. While the number of studies about their perceptions of health and aged care is increasing, there is still a dearth of understanding of their broad experience and ageing experience. Moreover, despite the growing social acceptance of LGBTQIA+, systems and processes by mainstream institutions are still perceived with fear and threat of discrimination, keeping them from seeking health and increasing their health risks. Furthermore, current design and innovation for older adults tend to be product-driven, focusing on the broader ageing population.

This research methodology employs a practice-based, creative, reflective approach divided into three phases: Understand, Make, and Reflect.

Phase one aims to build on the existing inquiries into older LGBTQIA+ adults' perceptions of accessing and using health and aged care services and their ageing experiences through expert interviews.

Phase two explores the role older LGBTQIA+ adults play as they assume a co-designer role in creating transformative pluralistic futures for accessing health and aged care services.

Phase three reflects on the outcome of the previous phases through a post-workshop interview to collect reflections from the participants.

The research focuses on early interventions, and its primary aim is to answer the question:

‘How can we reduce barriers and friction for older LGBTQIA+ adults seeking early intervention, ensuring they receive the help they need?’

In addition, the following sub-questions will guide the investigation: 

• What are the current challenges and needs faced by older LGBTQIA+ adults in accessing aged care services?

• What does successful and healthy ageing look like for older LGBTQIA+ adults?

This research aims to raise awareness of the disparities in the health of older LGBTQIA+ adults and demonstrate the practice of co-creation with those who have the most at stake, particularly from the perspective and lived experiences of this ageing population. Furthermore, it makes a case for a queer lens approach to serve as a valuable point in shaping future discussions in designing with older LGBTQIA+ adults.