The LGBTQ+ Fitness and Wellbeing Journey at 50+ and Beyond!

Like hundreds of thousands of people across the world, as a company, we’re getting involved to celebrate Pride month 2023. Now of course, we’ve got some fun stuff planned in our studio and our fabulous balloon display is there for all to see as soon as you walk in. But as well as that, we’re shining a light on Opening Doors London, a fabulous charity dedicated to helping LGBTQ+ people over 50.

We’ve worked hard to create an inclusive community, where every woman fits in - that’s what StrongHer has always been about. And we recognise that LGBTQ+ people can struggle even more to find a place they feel like they belong when it comes to fitness. Tig, Co-Founder of StrongHer said:

“We know that marginalised communities struggle the most to get access to fitness that works for them and it’s really frustrating and upsetting because there should be no barriers to getting to grips with a barbell. That’s what we try to do, to get people feeling comfortable in a fitness setting and to take up space, which we then find has a positive impact on all other areas of their lives!”

We wanted to highlight some of the research that Opening Doors has been doing in the last few years around the health and wellbeing of LGBTQ+ people over 50. Here’s some of the key points:

Understanding the Research

We all know that good health goes beyond just the absence of illness. It's influenced by various factors like social connections, cultural acceptance, and economic stability. Unfortunately, many older LGBTQ+ people  experience discrimination, stigma, and a lack of understanding when it comes to their health needs. That's where Opening Doors comes in, aiming to improve their health and the wider LGBTQ+ community's well being.

Addressing Inequalities in Healthcare

Here's the harsh truth: inequalities persist in the physical and mental health of older LGBTQ+ people. Stigma and discrimination based on sexuality and gender identity make growing older a unique experience for this community. LGBTQ+ individuals often struggle to access healthcare and social services tailored to their needs. Lack of recognition for same-sex relationships and exclusion from decision-making processes are all too common. However, progress is being made, with initiatives like the LGBT Foundation's 'Pride in Practice' and Opening Doors' 'Pride in Care' programs striving to create inclusive healthcare environments.

Support Networks and Dependence

Hands up who knows the struggle to make friends as we get older? The thing is, as we age, we rely more on intergenerational support networks. Partners, adult children, friends, neighbours—these connections become crucial for various forms of assistance. But here's the kicker: many LGBTQ+ individuals over 50 are more likely to live alone, without children. While they may have families of choice and social networks, studies indicate that loneliness and social isolation are major concerns. Physical impairments and long-term health conditions further heighten the need for accessible healthcare services.

Key Survey Findings

Chart from “The health and wellbeing of LGBTQ+ people over 50” by Opening Doors London. Read the full report here.

Now, let's get down to the nitty-gritty of the 2021 Opening Doors survey. Out of the 244 respondents, 56% reported their overall health as good or very good. However, nearly half of them faced long-term conditions that significantly impacted their daily lives. Arthritis, hypertension, and high cholesterol were among the most commonly reported conditions. Mental health is another area of concern, with LGBTQ+ individuals experiencing higher rates of depression and anxiety compared to the general population. We loved to see that 85% of respondents reported undertaking regular exercise as the main way to stay healthy and improve their health!

What can you do to help and get involved with the great work that Opening Doors, London do on a daily basis?

Volunteer with Opening Doors, London! They are always looking out for people to help with the great work they do. From delivering workshops, to running social events and befriending opportunities; find out more here: https://www.openingdoors.lgbt/Pages/Category/volunteer