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.
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