Sexuality in Older Adults, Research Paper Example

A University of Chicago study revealed that many older adults continue to lead active sex life well into their 70s and 80s and some even maintain sex life into their 90s. The rate was especially higher among those who reported having good or excellent health as 81% men and 51% women claimed to have been sexually active in the past year. Among those who claimed fair or poor health, only 47% men and 26% women claimed to lead a sexually active life during the same period. Thus, the study dismissed the notion that older people do not enjoy sex. According to the study, two potential problems cited for lack of sexual activity were health problems or low desire. Thus, lower sexual activity among some was more due to factors outside their control rather than by choice (Jayson, 2007).

The health factors that may contribute towards low sexual activity among older people are arthritis, chronic pain, dementia, diabetes, heart disease, incontinence, and stroke. In addition, surgery, especially involving breasts or genital area, may also result in lower sexual activity. Medications may also cause drug problems. Drugs that may interfere with sexual life include blood pressure medicines, antihistamines, antidepressants, tranquilizers, appetite suppressants, drugs for mental problems, and ulcer drugs. Similarly, alcohol has also been known to cause erection problems in men and delay orgasms in women. But not all changes are due to medications or alcohol. Some are due to natural changes that occur as a result of aging. A woman may observe a change in her vagina size and her vaginal walls may become thinner and a little stiffer. Some may also have less vaginal lubrication. As far as men are concerned, impotence is more common among older men (National Institute on Aging).

Older people who are sexually active may also be at risk for diseases such as syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydial infection, genital herpes, hepatitis B, genital warts, and trichomoniasis. To make the matters worse, the number of older people with HIV/AIDS is growing. Thus, older people should also adopt healthy sexual habits such as using condom and arrange for regular check-ups and testing (National Institute on Aging).

Fortunately, medical science has advanced to such an extent that many of the barriers to sexual activity faced by older people can be successfully dealt with. Women who may be suffering from vaginal dryness, oestrogen creams and pessaries, hormone replacement therapy or lubricants can help. Urinary incontinence can be treated by intermittent catheterization or pelvic floor exercises. Men with impotency issues could use drugs such as Viagra, Muse, and Caverjet (British Geriatrics Society, 2001).

Older people can adopt various techniques to enhance their sexual life. One strategy is not to see sexual activity at old age as a taboo and be open with partner sexual needs, desires, and concerns. Older people should also not hesitate seeking medical treatment if their sexual activity is being affected due to factors such as low desire or impotency. Older people should also expand their definition of sex and include other activities such as touching, kissing, and other sexual contact in their intimacy. Similarly, older people should not hesitate to try their luck at new romance if they have lost their partner (Mayo Clinic).

Sexual life is affected to some extent as a consequence of aging but it doesn’t mean older people should give up on their intimacy. Some older people also hesitate due to social stigma, thus, there is a need to change societal attitudes towards sexual activity among elderly people.

References

British Geriatrics Society. (2001). Sexuality in the older person. Age and Ageing , pp. 121-124.

Jayson, S. (2007, August 23). Seniors still have sex, study finds. Retrieved March 6, 2012, from http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2007-08-22-senior-study_N.htm

Mayo Clinic. (n.d.). Senior sex: Tips for older men. Retrieved March 6, 2012, from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/senior-sex/MC00057

National Institute on Aging. (n.d.). Sexuality in Later Life. Retrieved March 6, 2012, from http://www.nia.nih.gov/health/publication/sexuality-later-life