Week 9 - Sexuality

Question 1

What is the definition of sexuality?

Answer 1

ability to be intimate with another person in a mutually satisfying manner

Question 2

True or False: Sex is considered an IADL

Answer 2

False - an ADL

Question 3

True or False: Sex is considered social participation

Answer 3

True

Question 4

What are some factors to consider regarding sexuality?

Answer 4

Age, relationship status, culture, gender

Question 5

What are some barriers to sexual expression for older adults?

Answer 5

1 - often seen as asexual or less interested in sex
2 - culture and attitude towards sex
3 - age gap, gender difference between provider and older adult (38% men, 22% women talk about sex to their providers)

Question 6

What are some strategies to overcome the barriers to sexual expression?

Answer 6

1 - Privacy (e.g. “do not enter” signs
2 - safe place for expression of sexuality (e.g. date nights)
3 - education of staff and family about sexual needs
4 - working on things like body image (self-esteem)

Question 7

REMEMBER - IT IS NOT ALL ABOUT THE INTERCOURSE

Answer 7

YOU NEED TO TALK TOO! There are other ways to be intimate!

Question 8

Name some normal physiological changes in men.

Answer 8

1 - decreased testosterone
2 - decreased sperm production
3 - decreased ejaculation force
4 - decreased likelihood of premature ejaculation
5 - decreased frequency of ejaculation
6 - increased refractory period
7 - increased time needed to stimulate sexual excitement
8 - increased lasting erection
9 - POSSIBLE increased prostate size
10 - amount and consistency changes in seminal ejaculation

Question 9

Name some normal physiological changes in women.

Answer 9

1 - menopause
2 - decreased estrogen and progesterone
3 - decreased external genitalia size
4 - decreased pubic hair growth
5 - decreased vaginal wall size
6 - thinning of vaginal wall
7 - decreased vaginal secretion
8 - increased time needed to stimulate sexual excitement AND lubrication

Question 10

What is the vocabulary/phrase used now instead of impotence for men?

Answer 10

Erectile dysfunction

Question 11

What ethnicity has a stronger network and are more resilient than white families?

Answer 11

Black families

Question 12

True or False: Latinos see families as less important/less central, and that religiosity does not affect health behaviors.

Answer 12

False - Latino families have family as central/important, and religiosity DOES influence health behaviors.

Question 13

Asian Americans vs. White: which ethnicity has stronger obedience to parents and respect to adults?

Answer 13

Asian Americans

Question 14

In which ethnicity is the elderly women the strong role in the family, maintaining cultural norms and passing down traditions?

Answer 14

Native American/American Indian - they also care for children, others (need of family and community is more important than self)

Question 15

In white families, who tends to be the caregiver for the older adult? How are they supported (money vs. social)?

Answer 15

Caregiver = spouse; support = more monetary than in-person

Question 16

What are some challenges of LGBT older adults?

Answer 16

1 - often don’t know how to act, so they act awkwardly
2 - chronic stress since young adulthood from stigma, so impacting their health and wellness
3 - often rely on informal family/members of choice who are not against their sexual orientation

Question 17

Of the LGBT group, which group has the lowest rate of seeking medical services of any kind?

Answer 17

Transgender

Question 18

True or False: 40% of transgenders fear accessing healthcare.

Answer 18

True

Question 19

True or False: Suicide ideation is smaller than the other groups.

Answer 19

False - it is the highest at 50% (vs. 5% LGB, 2% heterosexuals)

Question 20

Is this considered inappropriate sexual behavior:

joking about sexual activity with a friend

Answer 20

CAN BE! It depends on where YOU draw the line. Ignoring accomplishes nothing! Be honest with the older adults about your limits.

Question 21

What are some responsible sexual behaviors you can talk to older adults about?

Answer 21

1 - using a condom to prevent STDs

2 - safe sex education

Question 22

What are some areas of sexual concern for older adults?

Answer 22

1 - self-esteem
2 - body image
3 - relationships
4 - family

Question 23

How can arthritis affect sexual activity?

Answer 23

Mobility, pain, fatigue

Question 24

What can they do to help if they have arthritis?

Answer 24

1 - resting prior to sex
2 - strategic use of pillows
3 - prophylactic use of aspirin
4 - warm shower to get warmed up
5 - talk about fears of what might happen during sex
6 - alternate positions

Question 25

How can CVA affect sexual activity?

Answer 25

sensation/paralysis, speech affected

Question 26

What can they do to help if they have CVA?

Answer 26

1 - place on side that can feel or see
2 - use other senses or more intense ones (e.g. vibrators)
3 - try new positions

Question 27

How can heart disease affect sexual activity?

Answer 27

High BP, fatigue, fear of sudden death during sex, possible erectile dysfunction from medication

Question 28

What can they do to help if they have heart issues?

Answer 28

1 - pace themselves
2 - have appropriate temperature (not too hot or cold)
3 - masturbation as alternative
4 - educate on foreplay to increase HR slowly