Religious Affiliation and Successful Aging Among Transgender Older Adults: Findings From the Trans MetLife Survey

Abstract

Religion may enhance successful aging by reducing stress, improving well-being, and augmenting social engagement. However, there is a paucity of research specific to religious affiliation in the elusive transgender-identified population. This exploratory study describes the demographic profile and religious affiliation of 289 transgender adults age 51 and older. Results indicate that the majority of transgender older adults (73.4%) are aging successfully, even though many are disabled or chronically ill. Transgender older adults affiliate with a wide range of religious and spiritual practices with a greater participation in lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender-affirming religions than the normative sex and gender population.