As LGBTQ+ elders face isolation during the holidays, SAGE offers ways to help

The holiday season is a time of joy and togetherness for many, but for a significant portion of LGBTQ+ elders, it can be a stark reminder of isolation and loneliness. Reports estimate that there are currently 3 million LGBTQ+ adults over age 50 in the United States, a number expected to grow to 7 million by 2030.

Many have no one to turn to during the holidays, with LGBTQ+ elders being twice as likely to live alone and four times less likely to have children than their non-LGBTQ+ peers. With 53 percent of LGBTQ+ elders reporting feelings of isolation, the stakes are high, as loneliness and isolation are linked to poor physical health, comparable to smoking 15 cigarettes a day.

Michael Adams, chief executive officer of SAGE, the world’s largest and oldest organization dedicated to improving the lives of LGBTQ+ older people, spoke candidly about the challenges facing this community. “The holidays are a difficult time for many people, and they’re particularly difficult for people who suffer from social isolation year-round. That’s especially true for older LGBTQ+ folks,” he explained to The Advocate. “Many of us are disconnected from our families of origin or lack the anchor relationships that provide comfort during this time of year.”

Adams emphasized that the holidays can bring feelings of loss to the forefront for LGBTQ+ elders, exacerbated by the broader sociopolitical climate. “This year is even more complicated and challenging because many people in our community, including older individuals, are feeling anxious about political changes and the attacks against our community,” he noted. These fears, combined with the ongoing epidemic of loneliness, create a perfect storm of vulnerability during a season that is supposed to be filled with connection.

The growing awareness of loneliness as a societal issue has opened the door to conversations about its impact. “Loneliness is now recognized as an epidemic,” Adams said. “Acknowledging that many people struggle with isolation is an important first step. When we realize we’re not alone in these feelings, it becomes easier to seek solutions and build support systems.”

For SAGE, the answer to loneliness is clear: community and connection. “The antidote to loneliness is feeling connected to others,” Adams asserted. “At SAGE, we foster that sense of community in numerous ways.”

In New York City, SAGE operates a network of SAGE Centers where LGBTQ+ elders can gather for holiday meals, celebrations, and camaraderie. Similar programs are offered in South Florida, and SAGE supports organizations nationwide to create comparable initiatives. For those unable to attend in-person events due to geography or mobility issues, SAGE provides a lifeline through its “SAGE Hear Me” program, an app and phone-based support service available 24/7. “It’s an opportunity to make a connection,” Adams explained. “Whether through a phone call or a text, these services make a big difference in how people feel during the holidays and throughout the year.”

SAGE also operates “Friendly Visitor” programs in cities like New York, matching younger volunteers with isolated elders for weekly visits. “These ongoing relationships can be life-changing,” Adams said. “It’s not just about the holidays; it’s about creating lasting bonds that combat isolation year-round.”

The organization’s efforts extend to rural areas, where nearly 30 percent of LGBTQ+ older adults reside. Recognizing the lack of resources in these regions, SAGE recently launched “SAGE Link” in partnership with CenterLink, the membership association of LGBTQ+ community centers. This initiative helps local centers develop programs tailored to older adults, ensuring that community-building efforts reach those in the most remote areas.

However, creating and maintaining these programs requires resources. “When push comes to shove, it requires money to run these initiatives,” Adams acknowledged. “Whether it’s paying for staff, space, or volunteer coordination, our community needs to step up on the giving side to fund these essential services.”

Government funding cuts loom as a potential threat, particularly under administrations hostile to LGBTQ+ rights. Despite these challenges, Adams remains resolute. “We have strategies and plans, but they require funding to succeed. The stakes couldn’t be higher, especially as the number of LGBTQ+ elders continues to grow.”

This holiday season, Adams urges the community to come together to support LGBTQ+ elders. “It’s essential that we do everything we can to be in community and support each other,” he said. “For those without a natural circle of friends or family, it’s vital to work towards building those connections. And for organizations like SAGE, it’s our responsibility to ensure that no one feels alone during this time of year.”