Pride for older adults in Massachusetts
All 2Life communities welcome people from different backgrounds, and we approach our differences as opportunities to learn more about the residents who make up our communities. That is why we join cities and towns across the Commonwealth in celebrating LGBTQIA+ Pride every June.
2Life’s Pride celebrations combine food, fun, and learning. Attendees can win prizes while they soak up the sun and enjoy lively music while playing lawn games with friends. Like many celebrations at 2Life, the events also feature opportunities to create and learn. Residents paint kindness rocks with images or messages of hope, kindness, love, and encouragement. Staff are also on hand to help attendees learn about LGBTQIA+ Pride, its important to so many in our communities, and its historic significance as a time of acceptance and love.
Many seniors in the LGBTQIA+ community do not always feel this welcome and celebrated where they live. In 2020, Fenway Health released a report, “LGBT Aging 2025,” about older LGBTQIA+ adults in Massachusetts and the challenges they face as they age. Many of their concerns mirrored those of other older adults in the state:
- Social isolation
- Housing affordability
- Healthcare costs
- Navigating the healthcare system
- Support groups and services
Other concerns were more specific to the community:
- Anti-LGBTQIA+ prejudice from age peers
- Anti-LBBTQIA+ discrimination in assisted living
- The need for LGBTQIA+-friendly housing
- LGBTQIA+-competent and -affirming healthcare in rural areas
2Life provides resident support services that help address these concerns.
Because 2Life is committed to celebrating diversity, we also host annual events such as Lunar New Year, Juneteenth, and Rosh Hashanah to allow residents to learn about their neighbors and embrace their cultures. Events such as these are part of our aging in community model, which promotes community support and lifelong learning.
Click here to read the full report and to find out how Fenway Health recommends addressing the concerns of older adults in the LGBTQIA+ community.
