Based within Centre for Healthy Aging, this is a research project by anthropologist Simon Meggers Matthiesen, concluded with a report on Sexual Identity Late in Life – the social conditions of older homosexuals and bisexuals in Denmark.

The research report introduces the results of qualitative studies of the social lives of older homosexuals and bisexuals in Denmark based on field surveys among older citizens in the target group and interviews with 32 adults, aged 63-95 who identify as either bi- or homosexuals. Participants in this survey come from all over Denmark.

The report provides a general picture of the obstacles that the target group is facing and their chances of entering close and meaningful relations late in life. The report also identifies the potential access points for older citizens to gain informal support and care and their thoughts about accepting help from health and social care sectors.

Danish research into the lives of older homo- and bisexuals have long suffered, hence this study. However, studies abroad show that older homo- and bisexuals differ from older heterosexuals when it comes to certain criteria. Firstly, they belong to a stigmatized minority who has faced a risk and fear of discrimination all through life. Secondly, they organize themselves in a different way, and compared to older heterosexual citizens a good number of them do not have a partner, nor children. Add to this a difference in terms of mental health, functioning, social isolation and loneliness. However, older sexual minorities quite often fly under the radar, hence face the risk of being ignored when dealing with health and care sectors. Therefore, a better understanding of this population is important to be able to respond to the challenges, needs and desires among this group of people in Denmark.