Conceptualizing transgender and gender-diverse older adults as a vulnerable population: A systematic review.

Background: While extant literature clearly illustrates the negative experiences of transgender and gender-diverse (TGD) people, the intersection between TGD identity and older age in producing vulnerability is poorly understood. The Vulnerable Populations Conceptual Model (VPCM) provides a framework for identifying vulnerable communities. Understanding access to resources, relative risks, and health status experienced by TGD older adults is critical in developing person-centered interventions.

Methods: A systematic review using PRISMA guidelines was used. CINAHL, Medline, PubMed, and PsycINFO were searched for studies published from 2017 to 2022.

Results: Of the seventeen articles included, no articles were based from a nursing journal. Synthesis of findings described TGD older adults as a vulnerable population with limited access to resources and several risks leading to poor health status.

Conclusion: Identifying TGD older adults as a vulnerable population is critical to understand their unique needs. The findings underline implications in nursing education, practice, and research.