Hui (Cathy) Liu, Purdue University, Professor, Sociology
Title: Data Challenges and Opportunities in Studying Cognitive Health of Older Sexual Minorities in the Digital Age
Abstract: Sexual minority older adults are among the fastest-growing segments of the U.S. population. Recent research shows that they face greater challenges in later-life physical and mental health than their heterosexual counterparts. However, far less is known about whether these disparities extend to cognitive health, largely due to limited population-based data. In this talk, I will present findings from my recent studies using large-scale aging datasets to examine whether sexual minority older adults experience elevated, comparable, or reduced risks of cognitive impairment relative to heterosexual older adults. These knowledge gaps highlight broader challenges in studying aging and health among sexual minority populations. Underrepresentation in national surveys and longitudinal studies has long limited our understanding of their health disparities. At the same time, the digital age offers new opportunities. Social media has become a critical platform for connection, expression, and support, particularly for marginalized groups who may lack access to physical social spaces. Building on this context, I will highlight key aging datasets, discuss major methodological challenges, and explore emerging opportunities to leverage social media data and Natural Language Processing (NLP) techniques to advance research on cognitive health among sexual minority older adults.
This seminar is co-sponsored by the Center for Aging Families.
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