Transgender and Gender Diverse older adults experience significant stigma, oppression, marginalisation, and abuse. These experiences are compounded by the intersecting marginalised identities of gender diversity and older adulthood. Despite this, research into this group is extremely scarce, limiting the ability of clinicians to adapt their care accordingly. Therefore, exploring the literature that currently exists and adding to the literature base using reflexive thematic analysis is hoped to contribute to wider awareness of issues unique to this population. This thesis presents a narrative review and empirical study.

Part A (a narrative review) explores what we currently know about the mental health of the transgender and gender diverse older adult community. Specifically, the review explores the following three questions: i) what is the prevalence of mental health difficulties in transgender and gender diverse older adults, ii) what are the stressors/protective factors that might impact older transgender and gender diverse people (in Western contexts), and iii) what are transgender and gender diverse older adults’ experiences of mental health and accessing mental health care. The findings suggest that transgender and gender diverse older adults’ experiences are nuanced, yet research considering these experiences is insufficient. This review makes recommendations for furthering the research base to support the development of gender-affirming and trauma-informed mental health care practices.

Part B (empirical study) is a reflexive thematic analysis exploring experiences of being a transgender and gender diverse adult over the age of 55, using TikTok videos. The findings show that video narrators had unique experiences of trauma linked to growing up in an era when gender diversity was criminalised and stigmatised. Such experiences include, but are not limited to, loss of peers, worries and expectations they would not survive to older adulthood, undergoing traumatic procedures, and navigating later life transition.