Aging Insights TV and Podcast Spotlight “Pride and Progress for LGBT Older Adults, Rights and Legislation”

TRENTON, NJ (June 27, 2022) – Studies indicated that there are currently 2.4 million LGBTQ+ people in the United States who are 65+. By 2030, that number is expected to grow by 50%.

On the 129th episode of Aging Insights TV, host Cathy Rowe, DrPH, is joined by LGBT Senior Housing and Care’s CEO/Managing Partner Amy Simon for “Pride and Progress for LGBT Older Adults, Rights and Legislation.”

LGBT Senior Housing and Care, based in West Orange, provides individualized LGBTQ+ cultural humility, sensitivity and competency training programs for older adult housing and care communities, service providers and their staff, employees, contractors, residents and community members.

According the organization’s website at  lgbtseniorhousingandcare.com, LGBTQ+ elders “…are less likely to have close family to rely on in aging, face discrimination in housing, are less financially secure, and face an array of unique barriers and inequalities that stand in the way of a healthy and rewarding later life. Stigma, discrimination and fear have been cited as major contributors and roadblocks to these essential services…”

On the show, Simon – a founding principal partner of communications firm A Simon Says, LLC, and a former NJ State Legislative Aide – discusses the history of LGBTQ+ rights in the NJ and how the state has become more progressive. She also addresses legislation requiring long-term care communities to be trained in affirming and welcoming LGBTQ+ older adults as well as anti-discrimination practices for LGBTQ+ and HIV-positive adults. Often-asked legal questions and necessary documentation for aging LGBTQ+ partners are also covered.

Aging Insights, a JAG (Jersey Access Group) award-winning program now in its 11th year, is produced by NJ Advocates for Aging Well (NJAAW) with Piscataway Community Television (PCTV). Aging Insights can be viewed on NJAAW’s website at njaaw.org, YouTube channel at youtube.com/njadvocatesforagingwell and public-access stations across NJ (check local listings for channels and times). Aging Insights is now also a podcast! Find it on your favorite podcast app as “Aging-Insights-NJ.”

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About NJAAW

NJ Advocates for Aging Well (NJAAW, njaaw.org), founded in 1998, is the only statewide nonprofit focused solely on providing leadership in public policy and education to enable older adults to live with independence and dignity in their communities. NJAAW’s social action issues include senior housing and hunger, elder economic security, the direct care workforce, older workers and transportation. The JAG-Award-winning Aging Insights, a monthly topical TV program produced by NJAAW, connects caregivers, older adults and their families to community-based services and resources. The show is available on NJAAW’s YouTube channel at youtube.com/njadvocatesforagingwell and website, as well as public-access stations across NJ (check local listings for channels and times). Aging Insights is now also a podcast! Find it on your favorite podcast app as “Aging-Insights-NJ.” NJAAW also presents educational forums and an Annual Conference offering development opportunities and best practices for professionals entrusted with caring for aging adults. Follow NJAAW on Facebook and Instagram @njadvocatesforagingwell and Twitter @njagingwell.