10% of older LGBT people not 'out' to family

One in 10 older lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender (LGBT) people are still not "out" to their family.

That is one of the findings in new research from the Gay Lesbian Equality Network (GLEN).

The study found that more than 25% of LGBT people aged over 55 are still not open about their sexuality to their neighbours or their healthcare providers, and 7% have never told anyone at all.

GLEN is calling for a more inclusive approach to promoting positive ageing among the LGBT community.

Director with GLEN Tiernan Brady said it was very sad that these people were getting lonelier and more isolated as they get older.

"They were the generation that lived in an Ireland that didn't accept them, and that wouldn’t accept them and were prepared to push those boundaries.

"For those of us who live in 2011, we get to enjoy rights like anti-discrimination laws and civil partnership because of the work that generation did.

"It would be a tragedy now for us to forget their needs."