Chapter 48 - Geriatric Sexuality

Summary

Sexuality is an important part of health and quality of life at all ages and thus is an important area for health-care providers to address. The number of years of potential sexual activity in later life is increasing. There are both physical and emotional aspects to sexuality, and the desire for intimacy continues throughout life. Studies have shown that most older adults desire more activity than what they have. Lack of partners and lack of privacy are significant obstacles for sexual expression. The physiological changes with age alone are insufficient cause to cease sexual activity, and for some these changes are felt to enhance their sexual activity. A number of medical conditions contribute to sexual dysfunction and raise patient concerns regarding health consequences of sexual activity. For older adults, negotiating safer sex may be unfamiliar and challenging, they lack knowledge to identify HIV/AIDS risk factors, and they are less likely to use condoms. Health-care providers lack awareness of seniors’ sexuality, fail to engage in conversations about risks, and are less likely to test for the virus. As with many potentially sensitive issues, it appears that patients are waiting for their health-care providers to raise the topic.