Sexuality and Aging

Question 1

Older adults are presented differently

Answer 1

• Often considered non - sexual
• Without sexual need for desire

Question 2

Sexuality, Discourse and the Elderly - What are the messages our culture sends?

Answer 2

• Sex is not important in the lives of the elderly
• It’s abnormal for older adults to be interested in sex
• Older people have lost the desire for sexual intimacy
• Older people are unattractive and not desirable
• Sex is for the young and attractive

Question 3

Adolescents

Answer 3

• Revealing, skimpy clothing
• Sexually explicit images
• Fist date, kiss, sexual encounter
• Public displays of affection
• Expected to have strong sex drive
• Sex is primary

Question 4

Adults

Answer 4

• Physical attractiveness very important
• Sexual activity assumed
• Sex is secondary

Question 5

Aging

Answer 5

• Cute
• Sweet
• Wholesome
• Without desire
• “Dirty old men”
• Betty White
• Jack Nicholson
• Sex not on the radar

Question 6

Sexuality and Aging

Answer 6

• Body changes that affect sexual activity: Men (ED), Women (Changes associated with menopause), Both (Chronic pain and other body changes)
• Most older adults are sexuality active (70-80% report being sexually active)
• Satisfaction with sexual activity is high
• Gender difference exist: Both married and single men report being sexually active but married women report higher levels of activity than those that are not married

Question 7

Sexuality and Aging: Sexual Orientation

Answer 7

• Both straight and gay couples report regulate sexual activity
• Women in general (both straight and lesbian) are more likely to discontinue sexual activity than men
• Gay and lesbian aging adults are more likely to report a preference for same age partners