Benefit of Gender-Affirming Medical Treatment for Transgender Elders: Later-Life Alignment of Mind and Body

LGBT Health. 2019 Jan;6(1):34-39. doi: 10.1089/lgbt.2017.0262. Epub 2018 Dec 18.

Abstract

Purpose: This study examined whether older age moderates the association between gender-affirming medical treatment and quality of life (QOL) among transgender individuals.

Methods: Transgender men and women from the National Transgender Discrimination Survey who had either recently or never undergone medical treatment were included (n = 2420). A moderation analysis was utilized.

Results: As predicted, participants who initiated medical treatment had higher QOL than those who did not. Age moderated this association. The QOL difference was greater for older than for younger transgender individuals.

Conclusion: Among all transgender men and women, gender-affirming medical treatment can be especially beneficial for elders.

Keywords: aging; gender-affirming medical treatment; quality of life; transgender.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Age Factors
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Female
  • Health Services for Transgender Persons*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Mind-Body Therapies*
  • Quality of Life*
  • Transgender Persons / psychology*
  • Transgender Persons / statistics & numerical data
  • Young Adult