(PS6-9) Bridging Generations: Exploring Integrational Connection and Wellbeing Among GSM Older Adults

Intergenerational relationships play a key role in maintaining social support later in life. However, there is limited research on intergenerational connection among gender and sexual minority (GSM) older adults. Thus, this study seeks to characterize the prevalence, structure, and function of these relationships among GSM older adults, and to compare GSM older adults’ intergenerational connections with those of their cisgender, heterosexual peers. 153 adults aged 55 or older (56% identified as GSM) completed a one-time survey on intergenerational connection, quality of life, generativity, and minority stress. GSM individuals did not differ significantly on quantity of intergenerational connection when compared to cisgender, heterosexual respondents, except they were less likely to have children (x2 = 20.043, p < .001). Participants responded to an open-ended question prompting discussion on the nature of an intergenerational relationship they are currently engaged in. Thematic analysis revealed several key themes, including the foundation of the relationship (honesty, support, connection), what this relationship provides (purpose, different perspectives, fun), and the source of connection (shared values, interests, beliefs). While all respondents discussed these different themes, GSM participants endorsed the importance of honesty, fun, and finding purpose within the relationship more frequently than cisgender, heterosexual participants. To determine the function of intergenerational connection above and beyond similar-aged friends, hierarchical multiple regression analyses controlled for participants’ age and the size of their support network (step 1) and tested for the possibly moderating role of GSM identity (step 3). Among all participants, intergenerational connection significantly predicted quality of life (F(4,148) = 7.649, p < .001) and generativity (F(4,148) = 9.762, p < .001); GSM identity did not appear to moderate these effects. For GSM respondents, intergenerational connection significantly predicted reductions in a measure of proximal minority stress (F(3,84) = 4.885, p = .004). These findings highlight the broad benefits of intergenerational connection for older adults and guides future research to examine the benefits of intergenerational programming for social support. Further, intergenerational connection may be uniquely positioned to enrich social networks and mitigate internalized stigma among GSM older adults.