In California, about 5 percent of nearly 10 million mid-life and older adults identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, or sexual and/or gender minority (LGBTQIA+). Despite their significant numbers and roles in communities across the state, relatively little is known about the health and well-being of these hundreds of thousands of older Californians. What we do know suggests disparities in health and well-being that we cannot hope to address without more comprehensive, accurate data.

The Challenges to Resilience survey, launched in 2024, is the first statewide survey to begin filling data gaps related to this population. Funded and supported by the California Department of Aging (CDA) and other partners, the survey aligns with goals of California’s Master Plan for Aging, which is a blueprint to prepare state and local partners to meet the needs of California’s growing population of older adults. The survey drew responses from over 4,000 respondents from across the state, covering a variety of topics: economic well-being, social well-being, discrimination and safety, health care access, service utilization, mental health and substance use, and cognitive and physical health. Both a summary report and more comprehensive version include key findings as well as implications for changes in research, policy, and services. An FAQ can also be found here.

More information can be found on the CITRIS main site.