The Gerontologist, Vol 36, Issue 1 118-123, Copyright © 1996 by The Gerontological Society of America
Gays and Lesbians Older and Wiser (GLOW): a support group for older gay people
MP Slusher, CJ Mayer and RE Dunkle
Essex Community College, Baltimore County, MD 21237, USA.
Gays and Lesbians Older and Wiser (GLOW), a support group sponsored by a
geriatric medical clinic in the midwest, is described. GLOW has been
meeting monthly for 7 years. Scheduling, professional involvement, and
special attention to social support seem critical for the group's success.
Older gay men and lesbians often have unique support needs that may not be
met by either general services to the elderly or by gay organizations,
which typically cater to a younger population. We conclude that carefully
designed support groups can meet some support needs for this older
population.
