From minority stress to active aging readiness: inclusive recreation as community-level social infrastructure for LGBTQ+ adults in rural Thailand

Introduction: Despite symbolic progress toward sexual and gender diversity in Thailand, LGBTQ+ adults in rural communities continue to experience structural minority stress, conditional acceptance, and uncertainty regarding future caregiving, which undermine subjective well-being and active aging readiness. Objective: This study aimed to develop a mixed-methods model explaining how inclusive recreation functions as a socially embedded mechanism linking minority stress and active aging readiness among rural LGBTQ+ adults. Methodology: An exploratory sequential mixed-methods design integrated a quantitative survey of 220 LGBTQ+ adults aged 40 years and older with qualitative interviews, non-participant observation, and participatory action research to co-create an inclusive recreation model. Results: Social support was the strongest positive predictor of active aging readiness (β = 0.42, p < 0.001), while minority stress showed a significant negative association (β = −0.28, p < 0.01). Recreational spaces were perceived as safe (M = 4.09, SD = 0.89), and qualitative findings highlighted caregiving-related anxiety. Discussion: Inclusive recreation mediates minority stress by fostering relational safety, visibility, and collective affirmation within everyday community life. Conclusions: Inclusive recreation operates as community-level social infrastructure supporting psychological safety and confidence in aging among rural LGBTQ+ adults.