Relational inequalities and loneliness: How diverse family forms shape loneliness among heterosexual and LGBTQ+ adults in later life

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OBJECTIVES: Loneliness is a major concern in later life, yet disparities between heterosexual and LGBTQ+ older adults remain insufficiently understood. This study examined how families of origin and families of choice relate to loneliness among adults aged 50 +, and whether these associations differ by sexual orientation. DESIGN: Data were collected via online surveys in Israel and compared two groups: LGBTQ+ and heterosexual adults aged 50 +. PARTICIPANTS: The analytic sample included 948 participants. MEASUREMENTS: Loneliness was assessed using the brief UCLA Loneliness Scale. Participants identified close members of their family of origin and family of choice, and rated relationship commitment\stability and negativity. Hiererchical regression analyses examined the predictors of loneliness and the interactions of social relationships with sexual orientation group. RESULTS: LGBTQ+ participants reported fewer traditional family ties (e.g., children, partners) but more siblings and friends in their close networks. Overall, having a partner, a close sibling, and reporting higher commitment and stability in both family types were associated with lower loneliness, whereas greater negativity in family of choice relationships was associated with higher loneliness. Interaction analyses showed that the protective effects of partnership and high commitment\stability within families of choice were stronger for LGBTQ+ aging adults. CONCLUSIONS: The findings highlight the central role of chosen family, particularly committed, stable partnerships, in buffering loneliness among LGBTQ+ older adults. Practice and policy in relation to later life should recognize diverse kinship structures and address inequities that shape relational resources in later life, especially among LGBTQ+ aging adults.

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