Sexuality in Adulthood and Older Adults Flashcards
1
Q
What has changed since 1970s regarding the singles group?
A
late 20s and early 30s single group has increased more than double
- people are getting married later and later, due to being in school longer, less stigma surrounding being single and females having careers
- POSSLQ (people opposite sex sharing living quarters) have doubled since the 1980s
2
Q
Historically patriarchal
A
- sanction to relationship
- maintaining a home
- child production and support
- transition of inheritance
3
Q
Arrange marriage
A
- in certain cultures, choice of partner is up to the family
4
Q
Free choice in marriage
A
- individual will choose the partner similar to self in ethnicity, religion, age, size and interests. This is known as homogomy
5
Q
Mating gradient
A
- trend for some women to marry up economically and men to marry down
6
Q
What are the stats of marriage for USA?
A
- approximately 65% of men and 60% of women are married
- age of marriage for men is 26.5 yrs and for women is 24.4 yrs
- 50% of marriages end in divorce
7
Q
What are the current stats of marriage for Canada?
A
- since 1972 the number of marriages has decreased by 24%
- age of first marriage has increased
- men 30.8 yrs
- women 28.5 yrs
- 33% of marriages end in divorce
8
Q
What are some trends that have changed in marital sexuality due to changes in society?
A
- reduced male dominant role
- media having more influence and being more available
- scientific findings made more public
- contraceptive technology has changed
- increased time in foreplay
- increased frequency of sex
- greater variety of positions for intercourse and greater variety in behaviours
- longer duration
- decreased frequency over time correlated with aging and increased time in marriage
9
Q
Conventional adultery
A
- not known to partner that they are being cheated on
10
Q
Consensual adultery
A
- known to partner, most still will disapprove
- men are more accepting of this and higher incidence than women
11
Q
Swinging
A
- both partners are openly involved in adultery
- these individuals are mainly white, well off and well educated
- while swinging they avoid emotional connection with others
12
Q
Open marriage
A
- either partner may have a relationship outside of marriage
13
Q
Group marriage
A
- 3 or more share an intimate relationship, however cannot be legally married, more commitment than swinging
14
Q
What is the most common reason for a divorce?
A
poor communication and a lack of understanding
- 30-50% of marriages will end in divorce
15
Q
What are some common myths about sexuality related to the aged population?
A
- sexuality is the province of the young
- sexual interest and activity declines rapidly with age
- older bodies are not sexually attractive
- sexual activity for elderly people is inappropriate and even ridiculous
- older people do not have sexual thoughts and desires
- older people go into relationships for companionships only
- the only true and acceptable means of sex is through intercourse
16
Q
What happens to an individuals that are in their mid life (40-55, and 55 up)
A
- sexual response cycle is slower, which may increase in less hurried sexual activity, but some issues are that males have problems with impotence and women have problem with painful intercourse
- their attitudes and the people around them may influence them to have less sexual activity, or since the women goes through menopause - since she no longer can be pregnant sexual activity therefore increases
17
Q
What are some age related physiological changes and changes in sexual response for males?
A
- erection becomes slower, less full and disappears quickly after orgasm
- have a longer refractory period
- decrease in muscle tone
- testicles will not achieve full elevation and do not increase in size
- decreased volume of sperm - fertility level is decreased, but sterility does not happen
- ejaculation = less powerful and orgasm = less intense
- gradual decline in testosterone
- urgency of sexual desires will decrease
- more control of orgasm - can go either increase in sexual pleasure or it can be concerning
- job pressures around this time have a big influence around relationships
- increase in weight may affect sexual function physically or because it can lower self esteem
18
Q
What happens during menopause?
A
- stop menstruating
- estrogen and progesterone is decreased
- sometimes headaches, insomnia, dizziness, irritability and weight gain
- night sweats and hot flashes
19
Q
What are some other changes in females that happens when they age?
A
- decrease in rate and amount of vaginal lubrication = painful intercourse
- orgasmic changes means less involuntary contractions, and an accelerated return to pre arousal state
- structural changes to the labia, uterus, and reduction to how wide the vagina can open
- thinning of the lining of the vagina reduces elasticity, which can be irritating and lead to painful intercourse
20
Q
What is hormone replacement therapy?
A
- initially only estrogen was given, and this was found to increase a chance of uterine cancer
- however recently it has been shown that it results in a greater risk of heart disease, breast cancer, stroke, blood clots and demntia
- instead alternative homeopathic or prescription meds are given
