By Robin Krishnan
Nursing Program, Humber College
January 21, 2011
Are you comfortable talking about sex related issues? Is sexuality still considered a taboo? According to Public Health Agency of Canada (2008),12.2% of all reported AIDS cases were in people 50 years of age or older as of 2006. The rising numbers in HIV, Chlamydia, and gonorrhoea cases in seniors indicates that they are not practising safe sex. Studying the overall survey results, social profiles and demographics of the community of Weston by Humber nursing students, I realized that there is an increasing number in sexually transmitted infection/diseases in the aging population. During discussions conducted by nursing students at the York West Active Living Centre, the majority of seniors focussed on chronic illness and hardly anyone mentioned anything about sexual health. Common reasons for such behaviour involve lack of knowledge, misconceptions, and myths that prevail in our society. I felt that there is need to talk about and address this issue, and talk about how important it is to have a healthy sexual relationship and view sexuality as an essential core element of healthy body, mind and soul.
Our project, Maintaining Relationships, presentation took place on November 24, 2010 with about 20 people from the York West Active Living Centre and public housing took part. The audience was interested, supportive and actively participated in various phases of the presentation. A very friendly, interactive environment was maintained throughout the presentation. Audience members were welcome to ask questions. The presentation was divided into 5 subheadings such as affection and closeness; how to keep romance and friendship alive; body image and self esteem; physical changes; and safe sex practices, which were addressed by the students. The effects of aging on various aspects of maintaining relationships (i.e. sexual health) were the focus of the presentation. I demonstrated proper condom application as a way to educate the seniors on safe sex practices. Some of the seniors asked questions which were appropriately responded by the students. The students provided some scenarios and suggestions as to why and how to enhance relationships with their partners.
Evaluation forms were filled out at the end of the presentation to gain feedback from the seniors. Brochures summarizing the main points of the presentation, and condoms were provided to the audience to take home. The rest of the brochures and condoms were left at the Centre. Refreshments were also served.
Overall, the presentation was well received by the audience. It was a great learning experience for me, my peers and senior members who were present. There were some positive outcomes from this experience, like being able to address the challenging issues of sexual health in the elderly population of the Weston community. There are many strategies that older adults can incorporate into their sexual life to enhance or improve. Using condoms, masturbation, foreplay, lubricant, toys/vibrators and communication with one`s partner are essential. Furthermore, a chronically ill individual (for example, hip surgery) can still involve himself/herself in a sexual act by trying new positions and different times such as in the morning when the body has the most conserved energy. Seniors can also try various other forms of sex such as intercourse, masturbation, oral sex, anal sex, outercourse that involves touching, caressing, kissing etc. Consult your doctor if you have any concerns and also get tested for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections/diseases. Finally, following a healthy lifestyle; reduced stress; exercise; eating good food; drinking plenty of fluids; avoiding alcohol and smoking can definitely works as a catalyst in having a positive outlook on life and maintaining a healthy sexual life.
I would like to thank Ms. Michele Cauch of SageHealth Network for guiding me all the way and making it such a positive learning experience. I would also like to express my gratitude to the senior members and staff of the West York Active Living Centre for accommodating our group for a period of three months. It was a great pleasure to be part of the Centre and Weston community. I would like to thank all the people who came and participated in our presentation. I would recommend all our senior friends to participate in such learning sessions in the coming future and spread the word to your family members, friends, neighbours, and in the community.
There is need to enlarge this issue of sexual health for seniors and to bring it up front on a large scale. Senior couples need to understand that with age, there is a need to rejuvenate your sexual relationship and it can blossom to the fullest, and to a new horizon.
Good luck to all my senior friends.
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Having Fun Sex at Every Age
Enjoying a healthy, fun sex life is possible no matter how old you are. If medical conditions or simply being in a rut has dampened your desire, consider these sex tips to revitalize romance.
By Krisha McCoy, MS
Medically reviewed by Pat F. Bass III, MD, MPH
Having satisfying, fun, and healthy sex should be part of your life at every age, even as you get older. But sometimes age-related physical changes or sex that has become routine can lead to dissatisfaction in the bedroom.
If your sex life has deteriorated or if you feel that you and your partner are in a sexual rut, there are sex tips that can spice up your relationship and help you enjoy fun sex again.
Healthy Sex and Aging: Why the Spark Sometimes Fades
In a recent survey conducted by the AARP, researchers found that almost half of men and women 45 years of age and older report being less satisfied in their sex life than they were a decade earlier.
There are many reasons researchers believe sexual desire and function tends to decline over the years, including:
Menopause. As a woman's hormonal levels fluctuate around the time of menopause, the vagina becomes shorter and narrows, the vaginal walls stiffen, and there is often a reduced amount of vaginal lubrication. These changes can make sex uncomfortable or even painful for both the woman and her partner.
Erectile dysfunction. The inability to produce or maintain an erection becomes more common with advancing age.
Pain and discomfort. Certain age-related health problems, including arthritis and chronic pain, can make having sex uncomfortable and interfere with your ability to have a fun sex life.
Other health conditions. Your chances of developing diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and dementia increase with age, and men and women with these conditions often have difficulty maintaining a healthy sex life. Medications.
Certain medications, including blood pressure medications, antidepressants, and antihistamines, have been associated with erectile dysfunction in men or lack of sexual desire in women.
Emotional issues. As you age and your body changes, you may become insecure about your appearance, which can get in the way of your enjoying a fun sex life. You may also have to face difficult issues, such as illness, which can put sex on the back burner of your relationship.
Putting the Fun Back Into Your Sex Life
If you are looking for ways to maintain a healthy sex life or put the spark back into your intimate relationship, consider the following sex tips:
Get creative. Trying different approaches when it comes to sex is one of the best ways to spice up your sex life. In the AARP sex survey, only 29 percent of respondents described their partner as being imaginative when it came to sex. So if there is a sex toy you have always been curious about or a new position that you want to try, consider introducing it into your next sexual encounter.
Be more adventurous. Any change from your regular sexual routine can put the excitement back into your sex life. If you always have sex in the evening, try having sex in the morning. If sex usually happens in the bedroom, try a new location.
Fantasize with your partner. It can be difficult to talk with your partner about sexual issues. But instead of focusing on your dissatisfaction in the bedroom, try opening up about your sexual fantasies and ask your partner to share sex fantasies with you. Talking about your innermost desires can be a great form of foreplay.
Take the lead. If your partner is always the one to initiate sex, try initiating it yourself. Changing up who takes the lead in the bedroom can be a great way to get excited about sex again.
Rediscover foreplay. People in longstanding relationships tend to skimp on foreplay, but if you are having problems getting aroused, spending more time caressing can help you get fully in the mood for sex and enjoy it more.
If you are having problems with arousal or sexual function that are interfering with your ability to enjoy sex, talk with your doctor. Often, simple treatments are available to help you have an active and healthy sex life again.
Learn more in the Everyday Health Sexual Health Center.
By Krisha McCoy, MS
Medically reviewed by Pat F. Bass III, MD, MPH
Having satisfying, fun, and healthy sex should be part of your life at every age, even as you get older. But sometimes age-related physical changes or sex that has become routine can lead to dissatisfaction in the bedroom.
If your sex life has deteriorated or if you feel that you and your partner are in a sexual rut, there are sex tips that can spice up your relationship and help you enjoy fun sex again.
Healthy Sex and Aging: Why the Spark Sometimes Fades
In a recent survey conducted by the AARP, researchers found that almost half of men and women 45 years of age and older report being less satisfied in their sex life than they were a decade earlier.
There are many reasons researchers believe sexual desire and function tends to decline over the years, including:
Menopause. As a woman's hormonal levels fluctuate around the time of menopause, the vagina becomes shorter and narrows, the vaginal walls stiffen, and there is often a reduced amount of vaginal lubrication. These changes can make sex uncomfortable or even painful for both the woman and her partner.
Erectile dysfunction. The inability to produce or maintain an erection becomes more common with advancing age.
Pain and discomfort. Certain age-related health problems, including arthritis and chronic pain, can make having sex uncomfortable and interfere with your ability to have a fun sex life.
Other health conditions. Your chances of developing diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and dementia increase with age, and men and women with these conditions often have difficulty maintaining a healthy sex life. Medications.
Certain medications, including blood pressure medications, antidepressants, and antihistamines, have been associated with erectile dysfunction in men or lack of sexual desire in women.
Emotional issues. As you age and your body changes, you may become insecure about your appearance, which can get in the way of your enjoying a fun sex life. You may also have to face difficult issues, such as illness, which can put sex on the back burner of your relationship.
Putting the Fun Back Into Your Sex Life
If you are looking for ways to maintain a healthy sex life or put the spark back into your intimate relationship, consider the following sex tips:
Get creative. Trying different approaches when it comes to sex is one of the best ways to spice up your sex life. In the AARP sex survey, only 29 percent of respondents described their partner as being imaginative when it came to sex. So if there is a sex toy you have always been curious about or a new position that you want to try, consider introducing it into your next sexual encounter.
Be more adventurous. Any change from your regular sexual routine can put the excitement back into your sex life. If you always have sex in the evening, try having sex in the morning. If sex usually happens in the bedroom, try a new location.
Fantasize with your partner. It can be difficult to talk with your partner about sexual issues. But instead of focusing on your dissatisfaction in the bedroom, try opening up about your sexual fantasies and ask your partner to share sex fantasies with you. Talking about your innermost desires can be a great form of foreplay.
Take the lead. If your partner is always the one to initiate sex, try initiating it yourself. Changing up who takes the lead in the bedroom can be a great way to get excited about sex again.
Rediscover foreplay. People in longstanding relationships tend to skimp on foreplay, but if you are having problems getting aroused, spending more time caressing can help you get fully in the mood for sex and enjoy it more.
If you are having problems with arousal or sexual function that are interfering with your ability to enjoy sex, talk with your doctor. Often, simple treatments are available to help you have an active and healthy sex life again.
Learn more in the Everyday Health Sexual Health Center.
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