Sexual Orientation and Risk for Elder Abuse: Findings from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging

Abstract

This study addresses knowledge gaps concerning prevalence and risk factors for elder abuse among sexual minority (SM) compared to heterosexual Canadians aged 65+. Data derive from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging, a national cohort study. Outcome variables include self-reports of psychological, physical, or financial abuse in the 12 months before interview and overall. Main explanatory variables are sexual orientation and gender identity; covariates include other socio-demographic characteristics, general and mental health. Overall prevalence of elder abuse was 10.0% among heterosexual and 12.0% among SM participants, with highest prevalence (18.1%) among SM females. The most common subtype was psychological abuse (8.8%), with highest prevalence among SM females (15.5%) followed by financial (1.4%), also with highest prevalence among SM females (7.0%). Physical abuse was least common (1.3%), with highest prevalence (2.4%) among SM males. Bivariate associations showed higher odds of experiencing psychological, financial and overall abuse among SM compared to heterosexual individuals (Odds Ratio (OR) = 1.41, 3.33 and 1.53, respectively), however within multivariable logistic regression models, sexual orientation was a significant predictor only for financial abuse (OR = 2.62). Our study is among the first to determine prevalence of elder abuse among SM older adults, and examine the interplay of gender identity and sexual orientation with other risk factors. Findings suggest divergent risk across gender and sexual orientation groups and abuse subtypes. Implications include addressing gaps in reporting and need to build capacity and agency for prevention and action, especially among SM females.