The situation for LGBTI people in the Nordic countries has changed radically in recent decades. This has led to increased access to social and legal rights, strengthened protection against discrimination, increased visibility and more opportunities to create organisations, groups and meeting spaces.

Despite this, studies show that a gender identity or sexual orientation that does not conform to conventional norms still significantly increases the risk of ill-health. In particular, bisexual and transgender people experience a higher degree of vulnerability and poorer mental and physical health compared to the majority population throughout their lives. How do these conditions affect older LGBTI persons’ prospects as they age, and what happens in their contacts with healthcare and social care?

The report was commissioned by the Nordic Council of Ministers and includes an overview of quantitative and qualitative studies, as well as interviews and a review of policy documents.

The report has two parts:

• a research overview that describes the research on the living conditions of older LGBTI people and their encounters with health and social care in the Nordic countries; and
• a knowledge inventory that describes how the LGBTI perspective is taken into account in courses and study programmes for professions that encounter the target group.

The report includes recommendations for healthcare and social care, for professional qualification study programmes, continuing professional development (CPD) and for continued research.