More than 70% of lesbian and gay and respondents over age 40 reported concerns about losing the ability to care for themselves in a recent study conducted by Community Marketing, Inc. The majority also feared becoming sick or disabled, being dependent on others, and outliving their savings. When asked which resources they would rely on for long-term financial and social care as they age, less than 8% of respondents said they would place significant reliance on long-term care insurance, leaving us to wonder how prepared lesbians and gay men are for the kinds of health issues that often come with old age. Respondents placed the most emphasis on:

• Health care insurance: 22%
• Medicare: 20%
• Personal savings: 19%
• Social Security: 16%

65% of respondents expect for provide care to a partner sometime in the future, 44% for a parent, and 34% for a friend. However, respondents were less certain of who would care for them – 59% said a partner would be there to help care for them, 29% a friend, and 20% no one.

A significant 20% of gay male and 38% of lesbian respondents over age 40 have children (just 4% of gay men and 12% of lesbians reported the children to be under age 18). Sometimes it is easy forget how many gay-boomers had children before they came out, and some gays and lesbians will be able to rely on their children for care. The majority of respondents have completed a Living Will and the majority have a Power of Attorney, but less than 50% have completed an Estate Will or set up a Living Trust. (Hospitals often require a visiting partner to present a living will in order to enter his or her partner’s hospital room.) 49% of respondents said they are at least fairly confident that they would be treated with dignity and respect by medical personnel, but 19% expressed concerns that they have little confidence in this being the case. Some views of retirement and old age are much more positive. Respondents look forward to: traveling (79%), having more time for personal interests (74%), and peace and relaxation (60%). In addition, lesbians were more likely to report looking forward to spending more time with friends and family than gay men. DEMOGRAPHICS of this “over 40” study:

• The median age is 52.
• 69% of respondents are male, 30% female, and 1% transgender.
• More than 96% of respondents identified as gay or lesbian. The remainder identified their sexual orientation as bisexual, queer or questioning.
• 53% of respondents reported that they are completely out. However, 15% are somewhat or not very out.
•  The median respondent in all age categories reported plans to retire at age 62.
• The vast majority of respondents over age 62 have already retired.
• 73% of respondents have a college degree.
• 33% of female respondents and 46% of male respondents are single or do not live with a significant other. Lesbians are more likely to be partnered than gay men.
• The majority own single family homes.

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