Sex+in+Elderly+Populations

=__**Sex in Elderly Populations** __ =

Sex in elderly populations, which as defined by the World Health Organization is a chronological age of 65 years or older is a rapidly growing researcdh topic (World, Health Organization, 2007). Although many feel this type of research is not relevant to them, it is important to consider the fact that everyone could potentially be part of that age group, especially with technological advances and the ever changing health care system. Interestingly enough, according to Sharon O’Brien, Licensed Professional Counselor, “ Many older adults and seniors report that their sex lives actually improve as they age. Once the children are grown and work doesn’t require the energy it used to, couples can relax together and enjoy each other without the old distractions. They find that senior sex gets better” Although many older adults report that the sex does get better with old age, it does not come with its shortcomings (O’Brien, 2004).

 There are several factors that play into account when discussing sexuality and individuals who are considered to be elders. Some of these key factors include, health problems interrupting a healthy sexual relationship, medications, and how to communicate with your partner for optimal sexual health. For elders trying to maintain a healthy sex life, it is more important than ever to converse with others on how to have healthy and safe sex lives. Discussing the facts and precautions with individuals such as doctors and sex partners is a very affective in preserving ones extremely important sex life.

**Health Problems**
 According to Patricia Bloom, MD at Mount Sinai-New York University Medical Center, the most common chronic diseases that play a role in inhibiting ones sexual health are; **Coronary Artery Diseas**e, as it may lead to chest pay with sexual activity. This health problem could also give one fear of having a heart attack during sexual intercourse. **Chronic Lung Disease**, as this could lead to breathlessness during sexual intercourse **Arthritis**, which could possibly impair individuals the ability to comfortably get in various sex positions. (Bloom, 2000) Worries involving issues such as these can be drastically reduced by communicating with a physician. The most common way to alleviate much of the anxiety around such chronic diseases is by medication, however many of these do not come with their own set up problems.

**Medications**
 Although many think that medications are there to increase the ability to participate in sexual activity, many older adults find that medications for their other health aliments are increasing their sexual dysfunction. Many of the medications that cause just that are antidepressants, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol medications, all of which greatly affect the elderly population. If one feels that their medications are affecting their sex drive, or even the ability to participate, it is very important to discuss the issue with a physician. There are other alternatives such as switching the medication, or even, simple enough, changing one’s lifestyle (Dean, 2010).  Many elders, having gotten over the fear of communicating with their doctors about their sexuality have discovered great pharmaceuticals to combat their sexual dysfunctions. The most common medications for men include ones such as Viagra, for erectile dysfunction, whereas females whose issues stem mainly from hormonal changes can undergo estrogen therapy. Both of which are in pill form and are noninvasive. They are, however prescription only, so communicating with a physician is the first step in taking charge of sexual dysfunction (Female Sexual Dysfunction, 20110).

**Communicating for Greater Sexual Satisfaction**
As stated in Sharon O’Brien, licensed professional counselor’s About.com Guide on “6 Steps to Better Senior Sex”, step 2 states, “ As your body changes in the senior years, it’s important to communicate your thoughts, feelings, fears, and desires with your partner. Encourage your partner to communicate fully with you, too. Improving your communication will help both of you feel closer, and can make senior sex more pleasurable. If you would like to try something new, discuss it with your partner, and be open to his or her ideas. The senior years, when you have more time and less distractions, can be a time of creativity and passion. Sometimes just talking about sex can make you feel sexy” (O’Brien, 2004). Posted on lovingyou.com is an inspirational story for all when having doubts about sexual activity at an older age. Although the individuals in this post are not quite elders yet, they it demonstrates the true passion that can last between two individuals. “ AS I have stated on here before, we got married at 16 and 17. She was pregnant. 36 years later, I am 53 and she is 52 (soon to be 54 and 53). Our sex life has had it's ups and downs through the years. It seems the older we get the better our sex life has become. Much of that is related to our relationship growing through the years. For my wife (as for many women) she must feel emotionally close before she feel intimate. The more we work on our relationship, the more she feel emotionally close. The more she feel emotionally close, the more she desires sexual intimacy. So today, we have a vibrant and active sex life. We were away together last week and spent most of it naked in the condo kissing, touching, playing sex games, watching movies and making love...8 times in 5 days!!!(Another thing that helps is that we eat a healthy diet and have a healthy lifestyle. No viagra needed here!!!)” (Romantic1, 2009). This posts comes from a forum entitled “Great Sex for the Mature (elders)” when demonstrates the importance of communication.  Whether one is communicating with a life-long partner, or possibly a new friend, it is very important to discuss issues such as sexually transmitted infections. According to Dr. Dorree Lynn, a psychologist and author, "Sex in nursing homes is more common than ever," Lynn writes. "The perception among seniors is that having unprotected sex doesn't matter. They don't need birth control, so they don't use condoms. Wrong. Assisted living residences, retirement homes and families are in denial. Behind closed doors or curtains, elder couples are in fact doing it. I'd like senior facilities to work out plans that allow their residents to have intimacy, including sex, in safe, inviting and protected environments." This fact allows sexually transmitted infection rates to rise drastically in elder populations, which has more than doubled in less than a decade (Dunn, 2008)

// “Sexual problems are seldom about sex. Sex is the canary in the coal mine. When the canary keels over, coal miners do not apply CPR to the bird. They focus on fixing the larger problem, often invisible and pervasive, that is behind the obvious and visible bird problem. In over 90 percent of the cases in which I have been consulted regarding sexual problems, the sexual issues cleared up when more fundamental problems were handled. About 10 percent of the time, there was actually something wrong with the physiology or the technical aspects of sex that needed addressing. Sexual communication is the solution to almost every sexual problem. Again, amazingly enough, we receive little or no training in this crucial life skill in the traditional educational system.” //

–Gay and Katie Hendricks of, The Hendricks Institute-Love Made Easy.

References

Bloom, P., MD. (2000, March 16). //Sex in the Elderly//. Retrieved April 10, 2011 from []

Dean, J., MD. (2010, August 12). //Are Medications Disrupting Your Sex Life?//. Retrieved April 10, 2011 __from http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/sexandrelationships/medicinessex.htm__

Dunn, D. (2008, September 23). //STDS Spread Among Bommers, Seniors//. Retrieved April 10, 2011, from __http://www.lifewhile.com/health/17506370/detail.html__

Hendricks, G., & Hendricks, K. (n.d.). //Inspirational Quotes//. Retrieved April 10, 2011, from __http://www.philosophersnotes.com/quotes/by_teacher/Gay%20&%20Katie%20Hendricks__

O'Brien, S. (n.d.). //6 Steps to Better Senior Sex//. Retrieved April 10, 2011, from __http://seniorliving.about.com/od/sexromance/ss/6step_seniorsex.htm__

Proposed Working Definition of an Older Person in Africa for the MDS Project. (2011). //Definition of an// //older or elderly person//. Retrieved April 10, 2011, from __http://www.who.int/healthinfo/survey/ageingdefnolder/en/index.html__ Romantic1. (2009, February 2). Great Sex for the Mature (elder) [Online forum message]. Retrieved from __http://members.lovingyou.comshowthread.php?s=ba67db06f 1d976f10e55eca620292896&__ __threadid=237638__

// Seniors gone Wild: Sex-Ed-for-the-Elderly // [picture ]. (n.d.). Retrieved April 10, 2011, from [] __5638441.jpg__ Treatment and Drugs. (n.d.). //Female Sexual Dysfunction//. Retrieved April 10, 2011, from [] __and-drugs__