At the Intersection of LGBTQA+ Identity and Older Age: Insights on Mental Health and Suicidality in Australia

This briefing report provides a focus on the rates of suicidality, mental ill-health, and loneliness for LGBTQA+ older adults aged 65 or over.

Utilising data from the Private Lives 3 report, data from 223 older LGBTQA+ adults were analysed to understand the factors that may contribute to these mental health and well-being outcomes.

The most prominent findings from this report are outlined below: 52.8% of LGBTQA+ older adults reported a lifetime experience with suicidal ideation, and 17.9% reported having ever attempted suicide.

Over half of all LGBTQA+ older adults reported high rates of loneliness and social isolation.

Experiences of LGBTQA+ targeted harassment and violence were associated with an increased risk of mental ill-health, suicidality, and loneliness.

Greater levels of community support, family acceptance, and being in a relationship were associated with better mental health outcomes.