[Lesbian, gay & grey : Specific needs and concerns of elderly homosexual women and men].

In 2050 society will face the challenge of the effects of demographic changes with approximately 30 % of the Swiss population aged 65 years and older. This change will also lead to a higher number of elderly persons who identify themselves as homosexual and who live together with a same sex partner. In the year 2050 approximately 90,000-300,000 homosexual persons who are 65 years and older will live in Switzerland. This article shows that the current state of research in gerontology is characterized by large gaps regarding homosexuals and research in homosexuality regarding ageing. With a focus on the third and fourth ages of life for homosexuals of both sexes and based on the latest international research data this article shows that elderly homosexual people face specific challenges and have specific needs, which should be taken into account in home care services and nursing homes. Due to their lifestyles elderly homosexuals are often single and live alone, have no biological children and are afraid of being discriminated or stigmatized particularly in the case of their need for nursing. As a further aggravating factor, studies have shown that elderly homosexuals have poorer health conditions than heterosexuals with an increased need for care at an earlier stage in life.