Age-related Risk and Protective factors, Quality of Life and Loneliness in the Lives of LGBTQ Adults in Israel

Introduction: Considering the relatively late emancipation processes of the LGBTQ community in Israel, we investigate ways in which age and aging play a role in the mental and social well-being of LGBTQ adults from diverse cultures and age groups. Our primary research question was which life course identities alongside risk and protective factors moderate the effects of age and aging on quality of life and feelings of loneliness among Israeli LGBTQ adults. Methods: 231 LGBTQ adults aged 19–81 completed an online questionnaire distributed in 2022 in Israel using a snowball method and a pilot test of an online research platform, as part of the Global Pride Project. Multivariate hierarchical regression analyzes were performed and correlations between the variables were calculated. Results: Age was negatively associated with feelings of loneliness and positively associated with social support, resilience and quality of life. Lower feelings of loneliness along with greater social network size, identity disclosure and resilience predicted higher levels of quality of life. Social network size, being in a relationship and resilience predicted lower levels of loneliness. Age had a positive effect on quality of life given higher community engagement. Feelings of loneliness decreased with age at higher levels of resilience. Conclusions: The findings shed new light on risk and protective factors among Israeli LGBTQ adults and their consequences on quality of life, feelings of loneliness, and resilience development throughout their life course and aging. Policy Implications: The findings highlight the need to raise awareness of fostering the personal and community resilience of LGBTQ adults in Israel by developing a multi-age social policy.