A recent study by California State University – Long Beach, published in ‘Aging and Mental Health’, has uncovered a disturbing statistic: 25.8 per cent of transgender adults over 50 in the United States have seriously considered ending their lives. This rate is significantly higher than the estimated 4.7 per cent of the general adult population in the US, indicating a critical mental health crisis within the older transgender community.
Factors Contributing to High Suicidal Ideation
The study, coinciding with Transgender Day of Remembrance, identified five key areas contributing to this increased rate of suicidal ideation: workplace issues, interactions with professionals, use of public services, personal safety, and socioeconomic disadvantages. Challenges in any of these areas led to a dramatic increase in the likelihood of older transgender individuals considering suicide, with those facing difficulties in all five areas seeing an 861 per cent increased risk.
Encouraging Trends in Older Age Groups
Despite these worrying findings, the study also revealed a silver lining. Dr. Hugh Klein, a co-author of the study, noted that the risk of suicidal ideation tends to decrease among transgender individuals as they age. For those aged 70 and older, the rate of contemplating suicide drops to 12 per cent. This decrease is attributed to factors like greater resilience, adaptive strategies, and personal growth positively influencing mental health in older age.
The Impact of Current Sociopolitical Climate
While the study provides valuable insights, it is based on data from the 2015 US National Transgender Survey and may not fully reflect the current experiences of older transgender individuals. The recent rise in anti-trans rhetoric and the drafting of over 500 anti-LGBTQ+ bills in 2023 alone in the US add to the challenges faced by this vulnerable group, potentially exacerbating the mental health crisis.
A Call for Targeted Support
This study underscores the urgent need for targeted interventions and support systems to reduce suicidal ideation among older transgender adults. It highlights the complex interplay of various life challenges that disproportionately affect this group and the importance of addressing these issues to ensure their mental and emotional well-being.
