The GenPride Center is the first and only multipurpose LGBTQ senior center in Seattle and King County. It was founded by Karen Fredriksen Goldsen, a University of Washington professor of social work, with a goal of the combatting social isolation experienced by many LGBTQ older adults. Located on Capitol Hill and established with the help of Fredriksen Goldsen’s research, the GenPride Center provides classes, activities and services for LGBTQ seniors. Frederiksen Goldsen’s landmark longitudinal study, 'Aging with Pride: National Health, Aging, and Sexuality/Gender Study', showed loneliness is a health hazard of its own – it’s been linked to heart disease, high blood pressure, early onset of disability, greater risk of cognitive decline and premature mortality. And while accessing affordable, stable housing is an issue for the aging population at large, LGBTQ seniors are particularly vulnerable to difficulties securing housing and finding supportive communities, she says. However, she points out that LGBTQ elders are also resilient and proactive when it comes to taking care of their health.

Be the first to comment