1: Trans and gender diverse ageing and the life course: what can evidence from quantitative studies tell us about how trans people age?

Publication Date:
19 Jul 2024
Pages:
15–40
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.51952/9781447370048.ch001
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This chapter investigates quantitative evidence around trans ageing trajectories. While there has been theoretical development, the data infrastructure for exploring trans ageing in the UK is underdeveloped. We identify an absence of longitudinal data to understand ageing trajectories, an issue that is a global challenge. Nevertheless, this chapter illuminates the role that quantitative evidence can have in enhancing our understanding of trans ageing through exploring the features of 32 studies. These studies underscore inequalities in health, wealth and access to care, although some studies also show that despite challenges, most older trans people feel they are ageing ‘successfully’. Furthermore, the findings reinforce the value that concerted investments in the data infrastructure can have, with larger US surveys generating several publications that contribute to the quantitative evidence base on trans ageing. Further investments in data infrastructure could allow researchers to unravel not only the complexities of trans ageing but also to better understand the positive, supportive elements of trans people’s ageing experiences.

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