Knowledge and attitudes toward sexuality and sex education of a select group of older people.

Abstract

The sexual knowledge and attitudes of adults age 65 and over has been a neglected area of research, due in part to the widespread belief that older people are neither sexually active nor interested in sexual expression. The purposes of this study were to: 1) develop an instrument to measure the sexual knowledge and attitudes of older adults, 2) collect data on the sexual knowledge and attitudes of a sample of older community residents, 3) determine whether there are significant differences between older men and women in this area, and 4) obtain older adults' perceptions about sex education programs. Study participants included 15 men and 17 women ages 65-74 years who were members of an organization of older people. All of the men and 41% of the women were currently married. Structured interviews consisting of knowledge and attitude items, demographic items, and open-ended questions prepared by sexology and gerontology experts were conducted. No significant differences were noted between male and female respondents in terms of overall knowledge or attitudes. Although respondents had significantly more formal education than their age cohort, they demonstrated a lack of knowledge about sexuality, especially about topics such as erection and impotence, drug effects, and alcohol. In terms of attitude, respondents were unanimous in recognizing the existence of sexuality needs in older adults. When asked to identify the concerns older people have about sex, respondents cited personal attitudes, impotence, health problems and inability to perform, unresolved questions, and the lack of an available partner. 75% identified health as the major deterrent to continued sexual expression. The majority did not consider themselves to be more knowledgeable about sex than younger adults, and 65% of the women and 75% of the men expressed a reluctance to ask questions about sex. 90% of respondents believed older people could benefit from sex education and suggested classes at community colleges, churches, and senior centers as well as handouts and pamphlets in public areas frequented by older adults. These results indicate that older adults need and desire information on sexuality, especially on physiosexual changes that occur with age, the impact of health changes on sexual expression, and the effects of medications on sexual function. An annotated bibliography of publications and media on sexuality and aging is included.