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Being an older lesbian, gay or bisexual person

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You may be surprised to see a section of this website specifically aimed at older people who are gay, bisexual or lesbian. Many of the issues relating to planning for later life are very similar whether you are gay or straight.

However, some matters might need special consideration. This is because the legal context is changing in relation to gay people, mainly in a very helpful way. However the assumptions or prejudices of others can cause some difficulties.

As far as possible, information given is applicable across the UK but in some instances different arrangements may apply in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Readers in those countries are advised to contact their national Age UK organisations for further information where appropriate.

Contents

  • Meeting others
  • Partnership rights
  • Older same-sex couples and benefits
  • Pensions for couples
  • Tax issues
  • Inheritance and wills
  • Making your wishes known
  • ‘Next-of-kin’ status and incapacity
  • Tenancy rights
  • Safety‚ security and protection
  • Violence at home
  • Care services at home
  • Care services: dealing with problems
  • Direct payments
  • Being a carer
  • Housing and residential care
  • Coping with bereavement
  • Useful organisations
  • What should I do now?

opens link in new window Download our information guide Lesbian, gay or bisexual - Planning for later life (PDF 517KB)

opens link in new window Download our factsheet Transgender issues in later life (PDF 236KB)

We are grateful for the generous support of Dr Naim Dangoor CBE
and The Exilarch's Foundation

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Age UK Advice:
0800 169 6565
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Downloads

What is a download?

A download is a document (like a research report, a leaflet, or an application form) that can be transferred from our website to your computer. You can download a file, view it on your screen, print it, or save it to your computer.

What is a PDF?

PDF stands for ‘portable document format’.

Most downloads on this website are PDFs. We use this format to ensure that the document looks the same on everyone’s computer (website pages, by contrast, appear differently depending on how people have set their computer up).

How do I download a PDF?

Computers use a program called Adobe Acrobat Reader to download PDFs. If you try clicking on a link to download a PDF and it doesn’t work, you will need to install Adobe Acrobat Reader onto your computer.

How do I install Adobe Acrobat Reader?

The process is quite straightforward and is free.

  1. Go to opens link in new window http://get.adobe.com/uk/reader/
  2. Click ‘Download’.
  3. Wait for the window to offer you the option to ‘Run’, then choose this option.
  4. Click ‘Next’.
  5. Click ‘Install’
  6. Wait for the window to offer you the option to ‘Finish’, then choose this option.

How do I change a download?

PDFs cannot be changed. If you need to be able to type into a downloaded document (for example, if we are offering a letter template that you need to put your name on) we will provide it as a Microsoft Word document rather than a PDF. You can then download it, type into it and save it to your computer.

How do I print or save a download?

Downloads will open on your computer in a new browser window.

Inside this window (below all your web browser menus), there will be a toolbar with options for you to print or save the document.

Close the browser window to return to the Age UK website.

Can my screen reader read PDF downloads?

We have made every effort to make our PDFs accessible to screen readers. Here is an overview of your accessibility options available in Acrobat Reader. Please ensure that you have downloaded the latest version of Acrobat Reader from the Adobe Reader website to ensure that they are included in your version of the programme.

You can use Adobe Reader to read a PDF out loud with the following shortcut keys:

  • Read the document: Shift +Ctrl+Y
  • Read the open page only: Shift +Ctrl+V
  • Read to the end of the document: Shift+Ctrl+B
  • Pause: Shift+Ctrl+C
  • Stop Shift+Ctrl+E

You can also convert a PDF into a web page by following these steps:

  • Copy the URL (web address) of the document (right-click on the link and select ‘Save target as’ or ‘Copy link’).
  • Open the Adobe online conversion tool in your browser and paste the URL into the URL box.
  • Tick the HTML box on the Format option and click ‘Convert’.

You can convert a PDF document into a text file for use with other software and hardware such as Braille printers by opening the PDF and choosing ‘Save as text’ from the File menu.

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Age discrimination: Just equal treatment

Age discrimination is wrong and blights the lives of many of us in later life. We have launched the just equal treatment campaign to challenge age discrimination and make sure that we all have fair access to health services, insurance and employment.

Find out more...
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