OLD, SAD AND ALONE - THE MYTH OF THE AGING HOMOSEXUAL

This paper reports the findings of a survey of 108 elderly heterosexua l and homosexual men and women in urban Central and Southern Californi a. The purpose of the study was to test the assumption that elderly ga y men and lesbians are more depressed and socially-isolated than their heterosexual cohort. The findings indicate that there are no signific ant differences between older heterosexuals and homosexuals in regard to depression and social support. However, the sources of social suppo rt vary with gay men and lesbians deriving significantly more support from friends, while heterosexual elderly derive more support from fami ly. The findings suggest a need to redefine the concept of family to i nclude ''friendship families.'' Future research which investigates the way in which these friendship families are created and maintained has the potential to benefit all elderly, especially those who have no bi ological families or whose biological families are unavailable for sup port.