Sexuality In Older People Research Articles

A representação da sexualidade por idosas e a educação para a saúde

doi: 10.5216/ree.v12i4.8830Neste estudo, centrado na sexualidade de idosas, objetivou-se desenvolver e avaliar estratégias de educação para a saúde baseada na pedagogia crítico-social, partindo da representação social da sexualidade pelas mulheres portadoras de Hipertensão Arterial Sistêmica, participantes de um grupo de encontro de um centro de saúde no noroeste do Estado do Paraná/Brasil. Tratou-se de uma pesquisa-ação, realizada no segundo semestre de 2009. A população-alvo foram seis hipertensas participantes de um grupo de encontro semanal de um centro de saúde localizado no noroeste do Estado do Paraná-Brasil, correspondendo a totalidade que atendiam aos critérios: ter 60 anos ou mais, ser portadora de Hipertensão Arterial Sistêmica, frequentar o grupo de encontro. Foram utilizados o grupo focal, o grupo pesquisador e a entrevista semi-estruturada. Os dados foram analisados pela técnica de análise de conteúdo de Bardin. Evidenciou-se que há dificuldade de entender e explicar a sexualidade por estas mulheres que, no entanto, a representam como reducionismo ao sexo e de forma velada. A educação para a saúde realizada permitiu a dialogicidade e conduziu à reflexão da sexualidade. Desta forma, entende-se que o valor maior dessa pesquisa não se manifestou na mudança radical e informada de comportamentos, mas na concretização de uma atividade educativa contextualizada. Descritores: Sexualidade; Envelhecimento; Mulheres; Educação em saúde.

P02-197 Attitudes of medicine and nursing students towards the sexuality of older people

There is a paucity of research in attitudes of undergraduate students of medicine and nursing regarding sexuality of patients namely the older people. In previous studies we paid attention on staff attitudes of residential homes to aged people in what concerns with sexuality. With the same methodology, in this study it was evaluated the attitudes of undergraduate students of medicine and nursing and resident's on psychiatry towards the sexuality of older people.Design:A descriptive questionnaire survey using the attitudinal part of Aging Sexual Knowledge and Attitudes Scale (ASKAS).Participants and setting:Students of medicine and nursing of Oporto University.We know from previous studies that little experience in the work with older people is predictive of negative attitudes towards sexuality. Nevertheless, in this sample we found a mean ASKAS score of 66 which reflects moderately positive and permissive attitudes toward later life sexuality. Medicine students were more permissive than nursing students (p< 0.01).Conclusions:Undergraduate students and psychiatry residents have positive attitudes toward sexuality of older people. Later life sexuality study should be included in the curriculum of undergraduate formation of doctors and nurses.

Commentary on Wang T‐F, Lu C‐H, Chen I‐J & Yu S (2008) Sexual knowledge, attitudes and activity of older people in Taipei, Taiwan. Journal of Clinical Nursing 17, 443–450

Sexuality in older people is a topic that is not openly discussed or addressed by health professionals in many cultures (Tsai 2004), with health professionals commonly believing that the two are mutually exclusive. This is despite recent research in Europe (Gott & Hinchliff 2003, Moreira et al. 2005), the USA (Nusbaum et al. 2004), Australia (Minichiello et al. 2004) and Asia (Guan 2004) confirming that sexual interest and activity are still seen to be important by many older people to their quality of life, and that older people can remain sexually capable into their 90s (Gott 2005). This important paper by Wang et al. (2008) supports previous work that has been conducted within other cultures and extends our understanding of sexuality in old age. Several points raised in the paper by Wang et al. (2008) are particularly noteworthy. The ratio of male to female participants is of interest, with 412 men and 204 women out of a total of 900 people contacted participating. What should one make of this gender difference? The authors interpret this finding as indicative of greater level of sexual activity among male participants; however, whilst this may be true, the finding could equally reflect that women were less comfortable talking about sexuality. The authors note that 284 of those contacted either refused to participate or, in some way, did not complete the questionnaire; it would have been useful to know whether there was a gender difference within this group, and if so, how the authors would have explained this finding. Also noteworthy was the finding that smoking habits were linked to sexual activity, with those participants with smoking habits more likely to maintain their sex life than those without smoking habits. It would have been interesting to learn the authors’ thoughts regarding this curious finding. One would expect smoking to reduce circulation, exercise capacity and erection and therefore potentially have an adverse impact on sexual activity; however the findings of Wang et al. (2008) do not support this. Perhaps it is the case that the role smoking plays in reducing stress counters these physical effects. It may also be the case that personality type is influential, with personalities attracted to smoking also more inclined to maintain sexual activity. Future research is clearly warranted to explore such possibilities. The extent to which older people’s sexuality is constructed by health professionals is sometimes hinted at in the literature, but it has not been the subject of serious research. Three recent papers highlight sexuality, health care and the older person (Bauer et al. 2007), barriers to the expression of sexuality in the older person (McAuliffe et al. 2007) and the need to overcome the stigma, stereotypes and secrecy that is currently associated with older people sexuality (Nay et al. 2007). Health professionals need to be aware that attitudes can inhibit discussion and prevent opportunities for education and understanding regarding what is ‘normal’ in later life sexuality. They also need to take steps to ensure that their practice does not collude with the societal myth of the older person as asexual; for instance, older patients should be fully informed when prescribed medications known to reduce libido. Research indicates that most older people would welcome the opportunity to discuss sexual concerns with their health professional (Nusbaum et al. 2004, Moreira et al. 2005) and believe that being asked about sexual needs and function should be part of clinical care (Lemieux et al. 2004). Not doing so therefore constitutes failing to meet the needs of older patients and denying them the opportunity to experience improvements in their quality of life.

What's love got to do with it? Developing supportive practices for the expression of sexuality, sexual identity and the intimacy needs of older people

Intimacy is at the centre of meaningful personal life in contemporary society and, at a fundamental level, constitutes one of the basic human needs. Much of the literature and discussion on intimacy, however, tends not to acknowledge older people, particularly in relation to sexuality and the expression of older people's sexual needs. These silences are further enshrined in social policy and the management of care practice. This paper seeks to contribute to emerging debates and the development of further understanding by those working in social care towards these relatively under-explored issues. Drawing on a range of secondary literature, this paper first attempts to define which discourses are influential around older people's sexuality within the social care arena. It examines the potential role played by social care professionals in recognising, interacting and confronting any barriers that serve to perpetuate myths and stereotypes of the 'asexual' older person. Finally, the paper addresses questions as to what steps might be taken to promote the wellbeing of older people using social care services through creating opportunities for expression of their needs for intimacy and sexual wellbeing and how to manage responses within services in a more holistic way.

Knowledge and attitudes of doctors toward the sexuality of older people in Turkey

Few studies have looked at healthcare professionals' knowledge of and attitudes to later life sexuality in both Western and Eastern cultures. Here we examine the attitudes and knowledge of Turkish medical doctors toward sexuality in older people. Eighty-seven doctors, from various specialties, who were directly involved in the care of older people, were contacted by post and asked to complete the Turkish version of the Aging Sexual Knowledge and Attitudes Scale (ASKAS). A majority of physicians indicated that they had limited information and knowledge regarding sexual health issues in older people (69%). Although a small percentage (14.5%) reported that they "always" discuss sexuality and sexual problems with older patients, the majority (69%) indicated that they "sometimes" raise questions about sexuality with these patients. A high percentage (81%) stated that they would be helpful and receptive should an elderly patient initiate a discussion about sexual issues. Most participants (77%) thought that the patient's gender was of no importance when taking a sexual history. Overall, the responses to ASKAS showed that physicians had limited knowledge but their attitude was positive toward sexuality in the elderly. Female physicians had less knowledge than males and had more negative attitudes toward sexuality in this age group. Total and knowledge subscale scores of ASKAS showed that older physicians had more knowledge than younger physicians but similar attitudes. A comparison of the knowledge and attitude scores of psychiatrists, surgeons and non-surgeons showed no significant difference among the three groups. This study identified a low level of awareness of later life sexuality among Turkish medical doctors. These findings identify a need to improve the education and training of doctors at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels to enable them to provide better sexual health care to older people.

Sexuality in older adults: behaviours and preferences

while much has been written about adult sexuality, relatively little is available about the sexuality of older people. Available literature often does not discuss specific sexual behaviours and includes predominantly married, better-educated, mostly young old. the purpose of this study was to assess a sample of lower-income older adults, about whom there is limited information, to describe a full range of sexual behaviours and to identify the degree to which they are satisfied with their sexual activities. subjects were 179 people (60 and older) who were residents of subsidised independent-living facilities, recruited during a lecture or in public areas in the building. Thirteen of 179 were excluded due to age. Most were white (82%), living alone (83%) and female (63%). overall, the majority reported to have had physical and sexual experiences in the past year such as touching/holding hands (60.5%), embracing/hugging (61.7%) and kissing (57%) daily to at least once a month; mutual stroking, masturbation and intercourse were experienced 'not at all' by 82% or more. For all activities except masturbation, participants wanted to participate in sexual activities more often than they did. The most important barrier to sexual activity was lack of a partner. Self-reported health was related to sexual activities wanted, with age also related to some preferences. most of the elderly surveyed want to maintain a sexual relationship which includes touching and kissing, and they would like to have more sexual experiences than they have accessible. Further studies are needed.

Roses in November: a personal memo on sexuality in older people

This is a personal account of a loving relationship and all that it can bring for our personal, spiritual awakening to each other. It is an honest account, one woman's story of her experience, but through it she illuminates the joy and sorrow, the coming to live in the moment as a friendship matures into loving, until the time of parting. Copyright © 2005 Whurr Publishers Ltd.

The need to address sexuality in older people

Many factors affect the ability of older people to express their sexuality. The community nurse is encouraged to consider the impact that negative attitudes (from both the patient’s and the nurse’s perspective) can have on the individual’s wellbeing. Nurses should not approach elderly people and their sexuality from a negative perspective, as this may lead to stereotyping and the provision of poor quality care (Van Ooijen and Charnock, 1994). This article considers the older person in a holistic manner and advocates the routine inclusion of sexuality when assessing the needs of older people. Community nurses can offer both factual and practical advice. In order to provide high quality care, community nurses need to be aware of the many problems that may face older people regarding their sexual health. When the nurse is unable to deal with these problems he/she should refer the individual to the most appropriate agency.

Sexuality in the lives of older people.

This article aims to explore some of the physical, psychological and social aspects of sex and sexuality in later life. It hopes to raise nurses' awareness and understanding of sexuality in older people.

Aging and Sexual Potential

The idea of collecting stories about aging as a way to explore sexual potential grew from the hypothesis that some maturity in living, as with sexuality, often happens after midlife. The question posed to 65 people ranging in age from 50 to 92, “To what do you attribute your present sexual growth and maturity?” was answered in terms of high levels of differentiation, self-actualization, intimacy and eroticism. Using physical and quantifiable measures are found not useful or accurate reflections of older people's sexuality. A case is made for differentiation as the key to sexual actualization. Further study of differentiated older people is needed to test the initial finding that a segment of the older population has deeply fulfilling, erotic moments with self and/or partner. We can learn much from studying successful sexual development.

Nurses' attitudes towards the sexuality of older people: an investigative study.

This article outlines a small scale investigative study into what factors influence nurses' attitudes towards the sexuality of older people. Thirty three trained nurses completed questionnaires designed to focus on three main areas: respondents' background details, attitudes towards sexuality as a general concept, and knowledge and attitudes specifically about the sexuality of older people. Results of the study indicate that nurses' attitudes about sexuality in general were the most influential factor in predicting their attitudes to older people's sexuality. This would suggest that nurses should be given the opportunity to explore their feelings about their own sexuality in order to change attitudes and practice.

Sexuality in older people is overlooked in care.

Sexuality in older people is always overlooked when compiling care plans and nurses tend to deal with the issue extremely badly, Alex Henderson, locality manager with Hull Health Authority told psychiatric nurses last week.

Sexuality in the older individual.

Approximately 12% of the population of the United States is over 65 and almost one quarter is over the age of 50. It is obvious from these numbers, that our older citizens constitute an ever expanding segment of our society. As a consequence of this, we as analysts and therapists must re-examine our clinical approaches to such people. A review of the sparse analytic literature dealing with the sexuality of older people is presented, as are a number of clinical examples of analytic approaches toward the sexual problems of older people. Special emphasis is given to certain transference and counter-transference phenomena encountered in such treatments.

Sexuality and the aging: A review of current literature

This paper discusses sexual changes and sexual needs in the elderly. Factual information about sexuality in older people is presented and mythical information is agrued against. Suggestions for improving sexual attitudes and sexual activities in the elderly are offered.