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Trauma and Aging

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Abstract

As a group, transgender older adults have experienced more trauma, discrimination, and abuse throughout their lifespans than non-transgender older adults. These traumas – which can include transgender-specific ones and “microaggressions” – have myriad, long-lasting negative implications for both their mental and physical health. Although transgender older adults are by definition resilient survivors, adopting trauma-informed practices can help professionals better serve these elders.

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Recommended Reading and Resources

  • Transgender Aging Network (TAN). Networks professionals interested in transgender aging and hosts a peer-support listserv for transgender people and their close loved ones aged 50+. Also hosts a collection of publications and training webinars for both elders and service providers. www.FORGE-forward.org/aging.

  • Trans Survivor Resources. FORGE sponsors multiple networking websites, social media sites, and resource collections for transgender survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, stalking, hate violence, and other traumas. Start here: www.FORGE-forward.org.

  • Trauma Toolkit. This online “Resource Guide to Trauma-Informed Human Services” was put together by the Administration for Children and Families, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administrations, the Administration for Community Living, and the Offices of the Assistant Secretary of Health and Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation at the US Department of Health and Human Services. It is “intended to provide an introduction to the topic of trauma, a discussion of why understanding and addressing trauma is important for human services programs, and a ‘road map’ to find relevant resources”. https://www.acf.hhs.gov/trauma-toolkit.

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Correspondence to Loree Cook-Daniels .

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Cook-Daniels, L. (2019). Trauma and Aging. In: Hardacker, C., Ducheny, K., Houlberg, M. (eds) Transgender and Gender Nonconforming Health and Aging. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-95031-0_7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-95031-0_7

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-319-95030-3

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-319-95031-0

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