Aging, Sexual Orientation, and Neighbourhood Deprivation: CLSA and CANUE data

Wook Yang; Shelley L. Craig

doi:10.1921/swssr20252442

Authors

Wook Yang California State University, Los Angeles https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0849-9649
Shelley L. Craig University of Toronto https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7991-7764

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1921/swssr20252442

Keywords:

CLSA, CANUE, sexual minority, neighbourhood deprivation

Abstract

Although there are increasing discussions regarding the sexual minority population’s aging through social work and public health perspectives, the information about this vulnerable population beyond the interpersonal level analysis still needs more growth. Hence, the current study utilized the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging and Canadian Urban Environmental Health Research Consortium data to explore a neighbourhood deprivation levels of aging sexual minority people’s living environments. Neighbourhood social and material deprivation levels were observed to determine whether there is a difference when compared to their heterosexual counterparts. Analysis of covariance was used and each analysis included age as a covariate. Gender stratification was considered in this study. The study’s results found that aging homosexual and bisexual men resided in more socially deprived neighbourhoods compared to their heterosexual peers. Similarly, aging homosexual and bisexual women reported that they reside in more socially deprived neighbourhood compared to their heterosexual counterparts. The study provides a critical information regarding the aging sexual minority population in Canada. Such knowledge can help design and disseminate behavioural and policy interventions in deprived neighbourhoods.

Author Biographies

Wook Yang, California State University, Los Angeles

Wook Yang, PhD is an Assistant Professor of Child and Family Studies at California State University Los Angeles. His research areas include exploring social engagement levels of aging adults, applying intersectional lens to mental health research, and creating behavioral intervention models for minority populations.

Shelley L. Craig, University of Toronto

Shelley L. Craig, PhD is a Professor of Social Work at University of Toronto. She also holds a Canada Research Chair in Sexual and Gender Minority Youth. Her program of research focuses on cultivating resilience in marginalized populations through innovative, community-based interventions. Her primary specializations include understanding the needs of sexual and gender minority youth (SGMY), particularly the role of information and communication technologies on their mental health and wellbeing.

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