Class 12 - Middle and Older Adult: Sexual Activity

Question 1

What does sexual activity look like in middle adulthood?

Answer 1

remain sexually active, although the desire to have and the frequency of sex declines
- sexual lifestyle options

Question 2

What are the biopsychosocial factors pertaining to sexual activity in middle adulthood? (3)

Answer 2

• chronic conditions and overall poorer health
• Sexual expectations and mental disorders
• Partner expectations

Question 3

What is a common misconception about age and sexual desire?

Answer 3

increasing age = sexual desire diminishes

Question 4

Why does sexual activity decline in late adulthood? (4)

Answer 4

• decreasing testosterone in men
• The state of one’s overall health
• Medication side effects
• Stereotyping

Question 5

What are the biological changes with age that affect sex in late adulthood? (2)

Answer 5

• erectile dysfunction in males
• Vaginal lubrication in females

Question 6

Why does persistent illness affect sexual activity in late adulthood?

Answer 6

• they are not given any information about the illness and how it relates to sexual activity

Question 7

How should a nurse assess sexuality in middle and older adults? (3)

Answer 7

1. Assist and support the older adult’s sexual needs
2. Complete a sexual hx, sexual issues
3. Discussion around sexuality and sexual dysfunction may be uncomfortable, but it is still important to engage in

Question 8

What is the PLISSIT model when assessing sexuality of pts?

Answer 8

P - permission
LI - Limited information
SS - Specific suggestions
ie. if in pain, take meds then engage 30 mins after
IT - Intensive therapy
ie. if prolonged, maybe we need to see someone about it

Question 9

What are the characteristics of risk factors for cancer? (3)

Answer 9

• share many characteristics with cardiovascular disease
• Most risk factors can be controlled, at least partially
• Dietary fat may be a risk factor for cancer, but debateable

Question 10

Several cancers are caused by infectious agents. Give some examples. (4)

Answer 10

1. HPV is an STI linked to several different cancers
2. Epstein-Barr virus
3. Hep B and C
4. helicobacter pylori bacteria

Question 11

What is atherosclerosis?

Answer 11

narrowing of the arteries caused by deposits of a fatty substance called plaque

Question 12

What are the characteristics of the risk factors to CVD? (4)

Answer 12

• modifiable and non-modifiable risks
• Risks are cumulative: more = higher risk of CVD
• 1/3 Canadians >20 have 3+ risk factors for CVD
• can reduce life expectancy

Question 13

What is the strongest CVD?

Answer 13

HTN

Question 14

Why is cannabis use the lowest in middle adulthood? (6)

Answer 14

• lack of time
• work responsibilities
• kids and their activities
• Busiest time in life with kids, work, caregiving and activities
• Of age and have the finances to purchase
• Education on storing cannabis

Question 15

Why is cannabis use the highest risk in late adulthood? (7)

Answer 15

• daily use or near daily use in this population
• retirement = may not be working
• May have financial stability, excess funds
• Physical changes
• Access and equity - dignity
• Polypharmacy/comorbidities
• Stigma

Question 16

What are some considerations for use of cannabis in late adulthood? (3)

Answer 16

Harm reduction
- Education on travelling with cannabis
- Storing cannabis