OUR MISSION

SageHealth Network is dedicated to promoting the sexual health, socialization and positive aging of older adults and seniors. We offer unique health promotion workshops and social events focusing on older adults and seniors' needs and overall wellbeing.




Saturday, August 8, 2009

Like a fine wine, sex life improves with age

This survey on sexual lifestyles in 50+ population was sponsored by Eli Lilly. The perspective focuses on erectile dysfunction. It discusses how older adults and seniors are sexually satisfied, how many engage in risky behaviours and sexually adventurous activities. No where in the study is sexually transmitted infections mentioned which is a shocking omission.

With 41% of respondents stating they are sexually adventurous, it is unbelievable and unconscionable to leave out the importance of safer sex practices. But then Eli Lilly, makers of Cialis, would not be concerned about consequences of unprotected sexual activity.

I stated in the CBC's Sex and Seniors documentary, that pharamaceutical companies must do more to educate their older adult and senior patients on safer sex practices. The Cialis website has a link to a 5 page info sheet on "Patient Information." Page two indicates, "CIALIS does not protect a man or his partner from sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV. Speak to your healthcare provider about ways to guard against sexually transmitted diseases."

If Eli Lilly wanted to do more inthe way of corporate social responsibility, they should consider an ad campaign advocating the joys of senior sexuality AND safer sex practices in this population.

MCauch
SageHealth Network
August 8, 2009

-------------------

The Globe and Mail
Report on Business
July 23, 2009

But sex and aging can raise new concerns for couples

TORONTO, July 23 /CNW/ - Many Canadians 50+ are finding that changes to their lifestyle are having a positive impact on their sex life, confessing they are more sexually adventurous, frisky or ferocious in bed. The 50+ crowd admits that the newfound freedom in their lives - as their nests become empty, they enter retirement, and some focus on new relationships - has had a positive impact on their sex life. Yet, despite these positive changes, many are concerned about how aging may lead to sexual issues like erectile dysfunction and the impact it may have on their sex life.

A national survey of Canadians 50+ reveals the sexual attitudes of this aging population. The survey showed that Canadians 50+ are gaining a new lease on life and returning to the spontaneity and intimacy enjoyed earlier in their relationships. In fact, key survey findings showed that among Canadians 50+:


<<
- 41 per cent stated they were sexually adventurous;(1)
- 40 per cent said they were frisky;(1)
- 16 per cent consider themselves ferocious in bed;(1)
- Close to half (45%) stated that their sexual inhibitions have
decreased since they turned 50;(1)
- More than one quarter (27%) stated the quality of their sex life has
improved since they turned 50;(1) and
- Close to half (49%) say that they are satisfied sexually.(1)
>>

"With retirement fast approaching and with sex having fewer taboos than for previous generations, what's not to celebrate about being over 50?" says Dr. David McKenzie, Couples and Sex Therapist in Vancouver. "Reducing stress and having a long-term connection with your partner can greatly contribute towards a more emotionally satisfying relationship as well as a more rewarding sex life."


Spontaneity: Keeping things interesting in the bedroom


Spontaneity is important to the sex life of Canadians 50+, according to almost three quarters of respondents, and over half wish that their sex life was more spontaneous.(1) However, there are concerns as the 50+ think about how sexual difficulties, such as erectile dysfunction (ED), will impact the spontaneity of their sex life as they age. Specifically, one quarter admitted that they or their partner has experienced erectile dysfunction and that it has a negative impact on their sex life.(1) Sexual issues such as experiencing erection difficulties can impact spontaneity in relationships as partners can become frustrated, embarrassed or anxious which, in turn, inhibits the ability for the man to maintain his erection.(2)

"If men and their partners are concerned about achieving and maintaining an erection, they should know that it is a very common medical condition that affects more than a third of Canadian men," says Dr. Gerald Brock, Professor of Surgery, Division of Urology, University of Western Ontario. "Furthermore, experiencing difficulty with erections doesn't have to mean the end of spontaneous intimacy, and many treatment options are available that can give couples the freedom they desire and help to ensure an active and healthy sex life as they age, with great success. The really important message, for the literally tens of thousands of Canadian couples affected with sexual dysfunction, is to speak to their healthcare professional for information and understand their treatment options."

The national online survey was conducted by Leger Marketing using Leger Marketing's Web panel between April 14th and April 20th, 2009. It was sponsored by Eli Lilly Canada Inc. The survey interviewed a total of 1,510 respondents who were Canadian adults, 18 years of age and older. Of those 1,510 respondents, 494 were over the age of 50. Using a national random sample of 1,510 respondents from Leger Marketing's Web panel, this method simulates a probability sample that would yield a maximum margin of error of +/-2.5%, 19 times out of 20. The margin of error among the 494 respondents over the age of 50 is +/-4.4%, 19 times out of 20.


About Lilly

Lilly, a leading innovation-driven corporation, is developing a growing portfolio of first-in-class and best-in-class pharmaceutical products by applying the latest research from its own worldwide laboratories and from collaborations with eminent scientific organizations. Headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, Lilly provides answers - through medicines and information - for some of the world's most urgent medical needs. Eli Lilly Canada, headquartered in Toronto, Ontario, employs close to 700 people across the country. Additional information about Eli Lilly Canada can be found at www.lilly.ca.


To see original link: http://www.globeinvestor.com/servlet/story/CNW.20090723.C8037/GIStory

No comments: