By Michele Cauch, Executive Director
SageHealth Network
(Source: Help's Here Magazine: Resources for Seniors & Caregivers, Fall/Winter 2007)
Ageist attitudes have had a strong hold over our collective Western psyche. Moving away from the beginning of life's spectrum, aging has been perceived as a negative process and something that we must tirelessly rail against. Taking this notion of ageism one step further, most people cannot imagine seniors as being sexual into retirement age and beyond. For many young people, it's impossible to associate physical intimacy with older adults. Senior sexuality is an uncomfortable and unbelievable concept to not only young adults but also seniors themselves. There is
the belief that seniors are too old to engage in sexual intimacy or they are undesirable to potential mates. It may be news to many, but it's time we all realized
and rejoiced in the fact that seniors are indeed sexually active well into the
Third Age.
The Good and Bad News
Seniors are sexually active and enjoying all forms of intimacy. A study by the American Association of Retired Persons estimated 62% of men and 27% of women over 60 years old consider sex very important in their lives. Approximately one-third of all respondents of which 49% had regular sexual partners, reported they had sexual intercourse once a week or more often. Slightly more than half engage in sexual touching or caressing, and around two-thirds kiss or hug their partner on a regular basis (AARP Sexuality at Mid Life and Beyond, 2005).
As encouraging as this revelation is, it also presents cause for concern - ndividuals
50 and over are at greater risk for contracting sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as genital herpes, syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, hepatitis B, and HIV/AIDS. There are a variety of reasons why older adults are at risk for contracting STIs: lack of education and awareness campaigns targeting older adults, reliance on outdated information, and common misconceptions about seniors' sexuality on the part of health care providers. Many seniors have assumptions and beliefs about sexuality that are difficult to change. Very few sexually active older adults use condoms as a form of safe sex. They may not use condoms because they associate condoms with preventing pregnancy - something that is not a concern when in your 70s or 80s. Many seniors may believe that HIV/AIDS is a disease that affects young people or gay men and could not possibly affect them at their age. Some older adults are perhaps newly single, widowed or divorced after long term monogamous relationships years of marriage and do not know of the sexual health dangers that exist nowadays. These individuals are seeking new partners and are in a vulnerable situation due to lack of information and awareness of sexually transmitted infections
and the facts about HIV/AIDS.
The Viagra craze has contributed a lot to the increase in STIs in older adults also.
More seniors are having more sex; however, drug companies have not provided sufficient education on sexual health risks nor safer sexual practices.
Protecting Your Sexual Health
If you've recently begun dating and are thinking about becoming sexually active,
you should discuss sexual health and safe sex practices with your partner. You should never feel pressured to engage in sex if you're not ready. When you do
decide to initiate physical intimacy, you have to be cautious about protecting your
sexual health. If you're sexually active, speak to your partner about your concerns
for both of you getting tested for certain sexually transmitted infections and HIV. It may be an uncomfortable subject to discuss, but remember; ultimately it's you that must make informed decisions about your own health.
Additionally, some healthcare providers assume that their older patients are not sexually active and may not routinely test older patients for STIs or ask them questions about their sexual practices or history. They don't want to be perceived as prying into the private lives of their older patients. Don't wait for your physician to talk to you about sexual health. If your doctor doesn't ask, you have to break the silence. You and your doctor need to have a frank and open conversation about your sexual health and assessing your level of risk.
Sexual intimacy brings physical and emotional pleasure, increases feelings of self esteem, and heightens feelings of closeness in partners. Knowing that your sexual health and that of your partner is a priority, will only serve to strengthen your relationship. Everyone, regardless of age, has the right to sexual expression,
the right to information on how to protect their sexual health and the responsibility
to make informed health decisions. Age is no barrier against sexually transmitted infections.
Enjoy life and intimacy, but be sexually responsible.
What are STIs?
~STIs are sexually transmitted infections.
You can be infected without showing
symptoms.
~STIs can be transmitted through sexual
contact and some can be transmitted
through skin to skin contact.
~Most STIs, particularly HIV, are passed
through body fluids: blood, semen,
vaginal fluid.
~STIs do not always show symptoms.
If you are sexually active, speak to your
doctor about STIs and getting tested.
Condoms 101
~Always use a latex or polyurethane
condom
~Never use a condom more than once
~Use personal lubricants
~Be responsible - men AND women
should carry condoms
This material is designed for information purposes only. It should not be used in place of medical advice, instruction and/or treatment. If you have specific questions, please consult your doctor or appropriate health care professional.
Michele Cauch, Executive Director, SageHealth Network. SageHealth Network is an organization dedicated to promoting sexual health awareness and sexual health educationin older adults and care providers.
For more information: www.sagehealth network.com or email: info@sagehealthnetwork.com
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