Ageing, sexualities and place: Aligning the geographies of gerontology and sexualities

Abstract

The spatial studies of both sexualities and gerontology have been established as subfields within the discipline of geography, but there are few studies that combine both strands of literature and examine old age and sexualities from a spatial perspective. Our aim is to highlight the contribution geographers can make to this research, which is based on the assertion that experiences of both ageing and sexualities are intrinsically linked to place. We first outline the subfields of sexualities and gerontology within geography and then review the work that has drawn on both of those literatures–within and beyond geography–with a focus on LGBTIQ+ older adults. We then propose a number of spatial enquiries into ageing and sexualities that will enable a better understanding of the spatial uses, needs and preferences of the older LGBTIQ+ population. The proposed areas of research include: generational changes and relations with gay communities, spaces and neighbourhoods; retirement migration; aged-care facilities and services; ageing-in-place and in-home care; lesbians, queer women and ageing; trans* ageing; Indigeneity; intersectionality; and digital spaces. We argue that advancing this research will contribute to the establishment of a queer geographical gerontology that enhances our understanding of older LGBTIQ+ adults and their lifeworlds.