Human sexuality and particularly sexuality in the elderly is an area that requires more attention in psychiatric training. In psychiatric interview of elders, sexual history and details are often omitted. Clinicians tend to ignore this aspect of the lives of elders, who themselves can find sexual problems very difficult to talk about. Sexuality in the elder is particularly affected by problems that are common in this age group, for example, depression, medical disorders, or incapacitation or death of a partner.Īging is characterized by physiological, pathological, behavioral, and psychosocial changes that can all affect sexual functioning, and it is difficult to disentangle their individual effects. Like all persons, elders may experience sexual dysfunction due to boredom, fear, fatigue, grief, or other factors (e.g., intrinsically low sexual desire, physical disability). However, not all elder persons have positive attitudes about sexuality. It remains a mode of pure physical pleasure as well. In addition, sexual activity is a means for the elder to affirm physical functioning, to maintain a strong sense of identity and establish self-confidence, and to prevent anxiety. The elder often view sexuality as an expression of passion, affection, admiration, and loyalty, a renewal of romance, a general affirmation of life, especially the expression of joy and a continuing opportunity for growth and experience. Some elder persons may even freely accept their interests in sex, but their children or grandchildren may disapprove, making them feel guilty. Older women also express sexual desire, but may fear their interest is undignified and disgraceful. Fear about the loss of sexual prowess in older males is common. For the elders, the ability to remain sexually active is a major concern in their lives. It is frequently assumed that elder persons lose their sexual desires or that they are physically unable to perform. Despite this, many people, young and old alike, are astounded at the idea of people remaining sexually active in their sixties and beyond. Human beings are actually never too old to enjoy a happy and healthy sex life. Among both partnered and non-partnered respondents alike, reports of loneliness were quite low.Although recognized as a fundamental driving force, human sexuality is frequently misunderstood and particularly in the elders, neglected. Two-thirds of the seniors in this study were partnered, most were in long- term relationships of many years, and relationship satisfaction was generally high. In particular, the researchers considered three variables: relationship status (partnered or single), relationship duration, and relationship satisfaction. The seniors in this sample were on average in better health than would be expected for this age group. All participants underwent a physical exam in which they reported their medical history, and they were tested for physical strength using a grip test. The average response of these senior citizens was well above the midpoint on the scale, indicating at least general satisfaction in intimacy within this sample. The participants responded to several questions regarding the extent to which they experienced intimacy through bodily contact with their partner as well as through conversational exchanges. Most sexual cognition eventually lead to sexual activity. Not surprisingly, these were more common than sexual acts, but not by much. Respondents used the same 0-4 scale to indicate the frequency of sexual thoughts. While penetrative intercourse remains the “gold standard” among couples, sex researchers have come to understand that many older couples overcome physical limitations such as erectile dysfunction and vaginal dryness by engaging in non-penetrative acts that still lead to orgasm and feelings of sexual intimacy. Respondents indicated the frequency of sex over the last year, ranging from 0 meaning “never” to 4 meaning “at least once per week.” Importantly, the researchers expanded the definition of sexual activity beyond intercourse to include non-penetrative acts, caresses, and bodily contact. The participants responded to questionnaires on the following topics:
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