Sexual Health

Question 1

What are some common myths about the older adult sexuality?

Answer 1

• all have diminished or absent interest
• the “game” is over
• nothing but dissatisfaction and dysfunction
• “dirty” old men and women
• closeness only involves sexual intercourse

Question 2

True or False: Older men are more likely to be married then older women

Answer 2

True (75% men and only 58% women ages 65-74 and only 42% of women ages 75-84 and 17% in women over 85)

Question 3

True or False: Men are more likely to be widows than women

Answer 3

False, in ages 65+ only 12% of men are widows while 34% of women are

in ages 85+ the numbers are 34% men and 73% women

Question 4

True or False: There are very small proportions of older adults who are divorced or never married

Answer 4

True, only 11% of men and 13% of women are divorced and only 5% never married

Question 5

What are common age-associated changes affecting sexuality?

Answer 5

• Medical issues and surgeries are common w/ aging
• cognitive issues such as depression and dementia which decreases libido (dementia can actually cause hyperarousal)
• medications impair sexual functions and change libido

Question 6

What are common age-associated changes affecting sexuality in males specifically?

Answer 6

• decreased testosterone levels which delays erection and causes it to be less firm and needs more stimuli for orgasm
• shorter ejaculation time
• rapid loss of erection
• increased refractory time between ejaculations
• NOT synonymous w/ ED

Question 7

What are common age-associated changes affecting sexuality in females specifically?

Answer 7

• decreased estrogen levels leads to delayed vaginal lubrication
• decreased extensibility pf vaginal tissue
• increased refractory period between orgasms and decreased orgasmic contractions
• bladder and urethra may be irritated during intercourse