America is a youth-oriented society. Not a judgment, just an observation. In popular culture the devaluation kicks in between 35-40. In American culture at large, the second devaluation begins at 50 with near total erasure by 60. Any age above 65 and beyond is practical invisibility.
Many Americans in their 60s feel largely invisible because of ageism, loss of social roles and increased isolation. Cultural obsession with youth and stereotypes of older adults as frail or out of touch can contribute significantly to this feeling.
In our own community, we frequently see organizations, fundraisers and assistance ready and available for LGBTQ+ youth, but rarely for our seniors who might be in need. Throughout the country and here in the Carolinas there are some welcoming resources for seniors that can provide connectivity, activity, friendship and help with daily living, but they are limited.
North Carolina
Carolina Aging Alliance
This nonprofit, based in the Triangle region, serves LGBTQ+ adults over 50. Originally founded as the Gay & Gray Initiative, it became SAGE Raleigh before evolving into its current form. It focuses on easing social isolation and advocating for the needs of older adults. Follow them on social media or visit their website at https://www.carolinaaging.org/
LGBTQ Center of Durham
The center provides a range of resources and programming for the LGBTQ+ community, including specific support for older adults and job coaching services for individuals over 50. https://www.lgbtqcenterofdurham.org/
LGBT Center of Raleigh
This center offers health and wellness programs and once had an active SAGE affiliate, SAGE Central North Carolina, which provided social connections and advocacy for older LGBTQ+ people. Although that specific aspect has been phased out, services and connections for all community members will be available once the center completes their move to their new location in downtown Raleigh. https://www.lgbtcenterofraleigh.com/
Out Wilmington LGBTQ Seniors
A program of the LGBTQ Center of the Cape Fear, this group offers a safe space for older LGBTQ+ individuals and their caregivers. It provides discussion groups, educational seminars, and social activities through the Silver Pride Circle program, which aims to enhance the well-being of LGBTQ+ people over 50 by fostering social connection and empowerment. https://lgbtqcapefear.org/what-we-do/elders/
Blue Ridge Pride
Asheville-based organization works to create an inclusive community in Western North Carolina and is a resource for LGBTQ+ people of all ages. https://www.blueridgepride.org/
Campaign for Southern Equality
Based in Asheville, N.C., this organization works for LGBTQ+ equality across the South and provides resources and support connections for older adults in both Carolinas. https://southernequality.org/
South Carolina
Harriet Hancock LGBT Center
As the state’s first LGBTQ+ resource center, it provides resources, social events and educational opportunities for the Columbia community, including monthly dinners open to all ages. https://www.harriethancockcenter.org/
Queer Wellness Center
This Greenville-based non-profit serves LGBTQ+ people in the Upstate of South Carolina with mental health programming and a resource closet. While not senior-specific, its services are available to all LGBTQ+ community members. https://www.queerwellnesscenter.org/
Lowcountry Senior Center and Waring Senior Center
While not exclusively for LGBTQ+ individuals, these Charleston senior centers on James Island and in West Ashley offer a wide range of activities for older adults, including fitness centers and computer labs. Lowcountry: https://www.lowcountryseniorcenter.com/lowcountry-senior-center/
Waring: https://www.lowcountryseniorcenter.com/waring-senior-center/
National Resources
National Resource Center on LGBTQ+ Aging
The national LGBTQ Aging Center offers extensive resources and guides for LGBTQ+ elders, their families and caregivers, including information on equitable healthcare and support services. https://lgbtagingcenter.org/
LGBT National Senior Hotline
This peer-support hotline is available for callers age 50 and above. You can reach them by phone at 1-888-234-7243 or visit their website for additional info at https://lgbthotline.org/senior-hotline/.
SAGE
The national organization provides services to LGBT older adults. A list of partners around the country can be found on its website and specific online programs that can be helpful are SAGEYou, a virtual community hub with online programs and resources for LGBTQ+ elders. Visit their website at https://www.sageusa.org/. Additional details can be found at https://sageyou.org/.
Considerations for senior housing
Some LGBTQ-inclusive senior housing options are emerging across the country, though North Carolina has fewer explicitly designated options. Village Hearth Cohousing in Durham is a co-housing community that, while not exclusively for seniors, is notably LGBTQ-inclusive. As well, refer back to the National Resource Center on LGBTQ+ Aging, which can offer help in locating and evaluating inclusive senior living options. https://www.villagehearthcohousing.com/
Non-profit and community organizations
Shepherd’s Center of Charlotte: This organization provides a network of support for older adults and offers social, educational, physical activity and enrichment activities to help combat isolation. https://shepherdscharlotte.org/
Oasis at the Levine Jewish Community Center (JCC): The Oasis enrichment program is for independent adults aged 60 and over. It offers daytime social, physical and intellectual activities. Transportation assistance is available on a case-by-case basis. https://www.charlottejcc.org/pages/oasis/
Age-Friendly Mecklenburg: This initiative by Mecklenburg County, certified by the AARP/World Health Organization, coordinates with local organizations to identify and provide a wide variety of opportunities for older adults. https://cfas.mecknc.gov/Programs/Age-Friendly
Special interest and seasonal events
Senior walking programs
In Charlotte can be found through Walk with a Doc and the Mecklenburg County Parks and Recreation (which offers walking clubs and classes at senior centers like the Tyvola Senior Center). Additionally, programs like Walk with Ease are available for arthritis sufferers, and independent seniors can explore local parks or walkable neighborhoods like Uptown’s Fourth Ward. Senior walking programs in the Raleigh-Durham area can be found through local community centers like the Durham Center for Senior Life, which offers various fitness and walking groups. The state-sponsored Walk With Ease program is another resource for guided walking. Senior walking programs and opportunities in Columbia, S.C., are available at places like the Harbison Community Center and the Lorry Center. Additionally, SilverSneakers provides community classes, some of which are outdoor walking groups. Senior walking programs in Greenville, S.C., can be found through organizations like Senior Action, which offers programs for adults over 55, and, like Columbia, through the SilverSneakers program, which includes community walking groups and classes. Look for senior-focused fitness classes at places like the Kroc Center, which also hosts activities for older adults. https://agingoutreachservices.com/
Charlotte Senior Expo
A free event held at The Carole Hoefener Center that connects older adults with various local organizations and services. https://expo4seniors.com/charlotte-nc-6-24-26/
Charlotte Senior Games
A competition for ages 50 and up that includes a variety of athletic events. https://parkandrec.mecknc.gov/activities/athletics/senior-games
Paint and Sip Events
Events like “Sip and Serenity” offer a relaxing, mindful painting experience with calming music and light refreshments. https://cityartroom.com/public-events-1
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Perhaps more than ever, LGBTQ+ communities around the country must be there for one another, regardless of cultural or generational differences. During this politically volatile time, with increasing intolerance aimed at our community, it’s important we all stand together and united.
In order to encourage connectivity across intergenerational lines, structured programs, educational opportunities and social events are key. These efforts help bridge generational gaps by creating safe spaces for different age groups to share experiences, build empathy and learn from one another. If your LGBTQ community is lacking in services and activities for seniors, be the bridge. Consider initiating programming such as these to connect and unite our entire rainbow family.
Shared meals and social gatherings
Organize regular family meals or drop-in social programs at community centers and LGBTQ-welcoming restaurants, providing informal settings for conversation and community building.
Intergenerational Arts Projects
Reach out to your fellow community members and allies to collaborate and create arts workshops, like theater or visual art, where participants work together to explore topics of age and identity. These projects can be a powerful way to express shared experiences and celebrate queer creativity.
Positivity Celebrations
Host events that celebrate queer joy across generations, such as drag shows, LGBTQ+ film screenings or queer-owned restaurant tours. Research has shown that witnessing joyful LGBTQ+ elders can be inspiring for younger people.
Recreational activities
Sponsor game nights, trivia contests, indoor or outdoor walks or bingo events that appeal to a wide range of ages, with a special outreach to LGBTQ+ seniors.
