Week 2 Sexuality and Aging

Question 1

what are some myths

Answer 1

that old people don’t want to have sex, decreased interests, etc.

Question 2

who is more likely to be married, older men or women (what percent in the 65-74 age group)

Answer 2

men 75% women 58%

Question 3

widowhood is more common in older men or women

Answer 3

women, 34% in 65+ and 73% in 85+

Question 4

what percentages have never been married and are divorced

Answer 4

men 11 women 13% divorced

5% never married

Question 5

what makes the ability to develop and maintain intimate relationships hard in AA

Answer 5

significant gender imbalance
many widows that have only had 1 partner
nursing homes treat elderly as sexless
declining health in general

Question 6

what are some age related changes that affect sexuality

Answer 6

medical issues and surgeries
depression (decreased libido)
dementia (hyperarousal and inappropriate at times)
medications

Question 7

how do the following meds affect sexuality in AA

• antianxiety
• antidepressants
• antihypertensives
• ulcer meds

Answer 7

• antianxiety: change libido, erection problems and delayed orgasms
• antidepressants: changes libido, delayed orgasms
• antihypertensives: ED and decreased libido
• ulcer meds: decerase libido and ED

Question 8

age related changes and men

Answer 8

decreased testosterone (delayed and less firm erection)
shorter ejaculation time
rapid loss erection
increased refractory period between ejaculations
NOT synonymous with ED

Question 9

age related changes in women

Answer 9

decreases estrogen, delayed lubrication
decreased extensibility of vaginal tissue
increased refractory period between orgasms
bladder and urethras may become irritated during sex.

Question 10

what do we do as PTs

Answer 10

serve as advocates for their rights to have sex, and privacy and dignity
assess concerns, like positioning
recognize our scope of practice
refer
be aware of abuse and consent issues
know boundaries if they make sexual remarks to you