TORONTO (November 17, 2022 at 7AM ET) – Negotiating care and support later in life can present unique challenges for 2SLGBTQI older adults and their caregivers, for myriad social and structural reasons. To help address these challenges, Egale Canada and the National Institute on Ageing, with support from the Slaight Family Foundation, are pleased to launch The National Resource Centre on 2SLGBTQI Aging (NRCA).
This NRCA is a first-of-its-kind digital resource centre that shares curated, cutting-edge research and resources about aging that address the unique needs of 2SLGBTQI older adults and their communities, featuring topics such as End-of-Life Care and Planning, Health and Well-being, Health Care and Services and Housing and Long-Term Care. It makes research materials accessible to older adults, to their communities and to health care and social service providers. It also provides a 2SLGBTQI Seniors Resource Map that identifies local programs and services available to 2SLGBTQI older adults that can help them navigate the unique circumstances of aging as a 2SLGBTQI person.
2SLGBTQI older adults have lived through significant shifts in their rights and freedoms and are among the first demographic to live openly with diverse sexual orientations and gender identities in old age. These lived experiences, including both traumatic and harmful interactions with health care and social service providers, can continue to influence their experience of aging. In addition, older adults in 2SLGBTQI communities often experience specific barriers in accessing affirming health care and social services, as well as secure housing and other basic necessities.
“2SLGBTQI older adults deserve access to the appropriate resources so that they might make the best, most informed decisions for their aging process. We have created a space to benefit the community by providing resources that improve their quality of life,” said Helen Kennedy, Executive Director at Egale Canada.
“The NRCA is just the latest example of the NIA’s research and outreach activities designed to help older Canadians age in a way that best reflects their specific needs and circumstances,” said Dr. Samir Sinha, NIA Director of Health Policy Research.
“Unfortunately, it can still be difficult for 2SLGBTQI older adults and their caregivers to find information and resources that centre their perspectives,” he said. “We hope the NRCA will make it easier to access equitable and comprehensive support and care, while fostering greater dialogue among health care and social service providers about how to better serve 2SLGBTQI communities.”
The NRCA welcomes submissions of resources and research related to 2SLGBTI ageing issues. More information can be found on the website.
About Egale Canada
Egale is Canada’s leading organization for 2SLGBTQI people and issues. We improve and save lives through research, education, awareness, and by advocating for human rights and equality in Canada and around the world. Our work helps create societies and systems that reflect the universal truth that all persons are equal and none is other. Follow us on Twitter and on Instagram @EgaleCanada.
About The National Institute on Ageing
The National Institute on Ageing is a think tank at Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University) focused on the realities of Canada’s ageing population. Follow us on Twitter @NIAgeing and support our call for a National Seniors Strategy @NSS_Now.
For media inquiries, please contact:
National Institute on Ageing
Stephanie MacLellan
Manager of Communications and Public Affairs
stephanie.maclellan@ryerson.ca
Egale Canada
Jennifer Boyce
Director of Communications and Marketing,
jboyce@egale.ca
647-404-7156