Sexual activity of older adults
Sex at eighty? Sure — Sex at ninety? Yippee!
Sex at eighty? Sure — Sex at ninety? Yippee!
Forget the dilly-dallying, this a crucial matter, which we tend not to openly discuss, but many are intrigued by it.
Sex is an important piece of life at any point. Opposed to what most believe, older adults are yet intrigued by sex and intimacy as they age, notwithstanding certain common misconceptions that hinder open dialogues about senior sexuality. The first falsity is that older individuals aren’t sexually active or interested in sex any more.
However, studies reveal that most men and women in their 60s and 70s claim being sexually active.
Even 10% of people aged 90-plus report sexual activities! For numerous seniors who are sexually active, intimacy is on a regular basis, with studies revealing that over 50% had sex at least a couple of moments every month.
Another misconception is that “sex” only pertains to penetrative physical intercourse with a partner. This narrow viewpoint disregards the reality for numerous seniors. As individuals age, they may alter their sexual expression due to factors like erectile dysfunction, vaginal dryness, arthritis, medications, or health concerns. Sexuality can mean physical and emotional closeness through foreplay, oral sex, mutual masturbation, and solo exploration.
A third myth is that older adults don’t have to fret about sexually transmitted issues (STIs).
However, rates of STIs like gonorrhoea, syphilis, and chlamydia among those aged 55 and above have more than doubled over the previous decade. Many seniors grew up before sex education was common, so they never learned about safer sex methods. Dating apps, “hook-up” culture, and the availability of ED medications also add to higher-risk actions.
Medics and healthcare providers play a pivotal part in de-stigmatizing sexuality for older clients, even though these conversations seldom occur, and only 17% of older adults claimed speaking with their doctor regarding sexual concerns in the previous two years.
Similarly to the manner in which medical practitioners inquire about bowel habits, sexual health should be a regular part of care for seniors. Sexuality is a normal, healthy section of the ageing process. Healthcare providers should shape an atmosphere where older adults feel empowered to analyse and express their sexuality, no matter their age.
Staying sexually fit allows seniors to sustain this crucial facet of their well-being and standard of life.
Looking forward to it
Source: Open AccessPublished:February 02, 2023DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/S2666-7568(23)00003-X
References
Smith L Yang L Veronese N Soysal P Stubbs B Jackson S
Sexual activity is associated with greater enjoyment of life in older adults.
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