Sexual Issues and Aging in Adult Development

Sexual issues and aging in adult development

Lisa Johnson

University of the Rockies

Abstract

There have always been questions and concerns about sexuality in older adults. There have been recent studies done on older men and women about how they maintain high levels of sexual interest at their age even while experiencing sexual dysfunction. There are details of menopause, diseases, medications that they take to stay sexually active, what orientation they prefer, and their sexual beliefs. The case studies show if there are any future care that may be needed in individuals. There are many different diseases that occur in older adults that can prevent them from having a normal sex life, as well as environmental factors. Medical history plays a big part on the sexual desire of older adults as their medication can play a huge factor.

Sexual issues and aging in adult development

The article is based on Men and Women over the age of 65 who still have sexual desires well into their 70’s, they may have complications due to sexual dysfunctions including vaginal dryness, chronic illnesses, sexual side effects to drugs, erectile dysfunction, etc. There are many things that can come in the way of older adults having a normal sexual relationship; there are things that can make the sexual experience very uncomfortable for the women who are having sex at this age. Arthritis is one of the illnesses that can cause sex to be painful, but can be remedied by using cream or taking a bath before having sexual intercourse. Older adults experience more sexual difficulties then younger adults due to the side effects in their prescription medications. “Estimates suggest that more than 80% of Americans take at least one prescription drug, over-the-counter medication, or dietary supplement weekly (Kaufman, Kelly, Rosenberg, Anderson, & Mitchell, 2002). Many prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and herbal supplements pose significant side effects that can alter or impair sexual function, including decreased libido, vaginal dryness, ED, dysorgasmia (i.e., delayed or attenuated orgasm), and anorgasmia (i.e., absence of orgasm).” (Hillman, J.) Many women suffer from incontinence which is a common difficulty that is experienced while trying to have a sexual experience. This often happens more in women because they are afraid of urinary incontinence, because they are afraid of Urinary leakage, which is leaking of Urine during intercourse. There are few men who suffer from incontinence. Incontinence can be treated successfully, so the women and men who do suffer from it can go back to having normal sexual relations. There are many different views on men and women of this age engaging in sexual intercourse, “Traditional views of the sexuality of older adults are negative, suggesting that older adults are either asexual or “dirty old” men and women for showing interest in sexual activity.” (Hillman, J.) I believe that if they are sexually active at this age it brings them closer together and makes them remember the feelings that brought them together in the first place.
Case Example In this case study, Roy went into a major depression when he was diagnosed with type II diabetes, as he was being treated he was given Prozac for his depression. Due to the side effects of the Prozac he was not able to perform when having sexual intercourse with his wife, he was experiencing erectile dysfunction. While talking to his Psychologist he was switched to Wellbutrin, which had less sexual side effects. So he was able to perform and also take care of the depression he was experiencing from his Type II diabetes.
Increasing in STDs Unfortunately after many of years of keeping yourself clean of STDs, older adults are more prone to getting an STD then a younger person. Why is that? Older adults do not fear pregnancy at this age, because a lot of them are unable to get pregnant, due to menopause or having their tubes tide, etc. So as they were younger again they throw all caution to the wind and make themselves vulnerable to receiving STDs, because they are uneducated and lack the knowledge of condoms to keep them safe. “Extrapolation from available data suggests that older adults account for 1.3% of all STDs, with genital herpes reported most often for older women and nongonoccoccal urethritis (bacterial infection and inflammation of the urethra) for older men” (Hillman, J.) Many of the symptoms of STDs that older people experience is often overlooked because of the symptoms of aging. HIV and AIDS. This is the more common disease that can occur in older adults, it stems from use of IV drug use needles, or unprotected sex with someone who has the disease. It is estimated that 12% to 20% new aids cases are for people over the ages of 65. Future Issues in Sexuality and Aging. As of 2011, the baby boomers are 65 years of age; these are the people who are seeking help to sexual dysfunctions and sexuality. This is when the older adults living in the nursing homes or assisted living faculties need to be educated on the STDs and proper use of condoms and how to enjoy sexual activities.

Strengths/weaknesses I believe that the article included many strengths and weaknesses, because it described the problems and ways on how to fix the problems. There were many good points in their for older adults to not be afraid to mention the problems to their doctors, so they can get the help that is needed for them to enjoy sexual experiences.
Value to Psychology and Students This article is a great value to people in the Psychology field, it not only educated you on problems that older adult’s experience, but it also provided ways to fix the problems. There is not much education that the older adults have on how to have safe sex (using condoms), but as students learning we can educate them.

As a student myself, I have learned a lot from this article because it not only educated me on the sexual life of older adults, but it gave me the knowledge that I will need to know when I am that age and the problems that I might have to deal with. This article gives insight on how to fix this issues or what you have to do to fix them.
Conclusion
The article taught you about the illness and diseases that can prevent older adults from experiencing a good, healthy sexual relationship and what can be done to fix these problems. For men with erectile dysfunction can use Viagra to fix the problem. Women who experience vaginal dryness can use a cream to fix it. There is a solution to every problem that can become in the issues of sexual relations. It helps adults be able to ask questions to their doctors about the issues they are having that could be preventing them from having sexual intercourse. The problem could be as easy as switching their medication to something with less side effects.

References

Hillman, J. (2007, February 15). EBSCO Publishing Service Selection Page. Sexual Issues and Aging within the Context of Work with Older Adult Patients. Retrieved August 12, 2012, from http://web.ebscohost.com/ehost/detail?sid=8e3c36a7-4a59-4e7e-b03f-2e8e503c36c3%40sessionmgr114&vid=2&hid=119&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZQ%3d%3d#db=pdh&AN=pro-39-3-290