Sexuality in Adulthood and Older Adults

Question 1

What has changed since 1970s regarding the singles group?

Answer 1

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

Question 2

Historically patriarchal

Answer 2

• sanction to relationship
• maintaining a home
• child production and support
• transition of inheritance

Question 3

Arrange marriage

Answer 3

• in certain cultures, choice of partner is up to the family

Question 4

Free choice in marriage

Answer 4

• individual will choose the partner similar to self in ethnicity, religion, age, size and interests. This is known as homogomy

Question 5

Mating gradient

Answer 5

• trend for some women to marry up economically and men to marry down

Question 6

What are the stats of marriage for USA?

Answer 6

• 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

Question 7

What are the current stats of marriage for Canada?

Answer 7

• 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

Question 8

What are some trends that have changed in marital sexuality due to changes in society?

Answer 8

• 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

Question 9

Conventional adultery

Answer 9

• not known to partner that they are being cheated on

Question 10

Consensual adultery

Answer 10

• known to partner, most still will disapprove

- men are more accepting of this and higher incidence than women

Question 11

Swinging

Answer 11

• 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

Question 12

Open marriage

Answer 12

• either partner may have a relationship outside of marriage

Question 13

Group marriage

Answer 13

• 3 or more share an intimate relationship, however cannot be legally married, more commitment than swinging

Question 14

What is the most common reason for a divorce?

Answer 14

poor communication and a lack of understanding

- 30-50% of marriages will end in divorce

Question 15

What are some common myths about sexuality related to the aged population?

Answer 15

• 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

Question 16

What happens to an individuals that are in their mid life (40-55, and 55 up)

Answer 16

1. 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
2. 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

Question 17

What are some age related physiological changes and changes in sexual response for males?

Answer 17

1. erection becomes slower, less full and disappears quickly after orgasm
2. have a longer refractory period
3. decrease in muscle tone
4. testicles will not achieve full elevation and do not increase in size
5. decreased volume of sperm - fertility level is decreased, but sterility does not happen
6. ejaculation = less powerful and orgasm = less intense
7. gradual decline in testosterone
8. urgency of sexual desires will decrease
9. more control of orgasm - can go either increase in sexual pleasure or it can be concerning
10. job pressures around this time have a big influence around relationships
11. increase in weight may affect sexual function physically or because it can lower self esteem

Question 18

What happens during menopause?

Answer 18

• stop menstruating
• estrogen and progesterone is decreased
• sometimes headaches, insomnia, dizziness, irritability and weight gain
• night sweats and hot flashes

Question 19

What are some other changes in females that happens when they age?

Answer 19

• 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

Question 20

What is hormone replacement therapy?

Answer 20

• 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