ABSTRACT
This chapter explores related research and interviews conducted with gays and the New York City organization, Seniors Aging in a Gay Environment, the oldest and largest organization serving older gays and lesbians. It explains the common stereotypes of older workers and older gays. The chapter discusses the problems that may confront older gay employees and deals with discussing the ways older gay employees may cope with these problems. The common stereotype about older gays is that they are lonely, depressed, sexually deprived, and lacking a social support system of family and friends. Networking and social contacts are often instrumental to a person’s climb up the ladder of success in the world of work. Some companies have implemented retirement planning programs to: help employees prepare for retirement; assist employees with decision making; and improve employee well-being and productivity. Given the stresses of concealing their same-sex orientation, many gays may perceive retirement as freedom.
