Sexual Behaviour and Health in Older Adults

Description:

This book provides a comprehensive overview for those interested in research and promoting sexual health in older people, as well as a “go-to” guide on the topic of sexual behaviour in older adults.

Sexual activity is an essential part of intimate relationships, though it tends to decline in frequency as people grow older. Nevertheless, for many older people, sex still remains an important part of their life. There’s a common misconception that as people age, they lose their interest in sex and capacity for sexual behaviour. This is not the case, as a number of national surveys show.

The new research presented here indicates that the less sex older people have, the more likely they are to experience mental and physical health problems. Men and women who reported a decrease in the frequency of sexual activities were also more likely to report a deterioration in self-perceived health. Additionally, men with erectile dysfunction were also more likely to be diagnosed with cancer or coronary heart disease. This research has also determined that older adults who experience a decline in sexual activity report poorer well-being than those who maintain their levels of sexual desire, activity and function in later life, and that men who remain sexually active in later life continue to have better cognitive performance compared to those who don’t. Despite these health benefits, medical professionals do little to promote sexual activity in older adults, and the literature suggests that there is a lack of knowledge on how to approach the subject and how to promote such activities.

This is the first comprehensive book specifically exploring all areas of sexual behaviour and health in older adults, and drawing on the latest research in this area. It offers a valuable resource for researchers and clinicians in various health fields (medicine, nursing, occupational therapy, psychology, public health, etc.), as well as students in undergraduate and graduate programs.

Table of contents :

Preface
Acknowledgments
Contents
1: Introduction
1.1 The Ageing Population
1.2 Living Healthy Lives: Successful Ageing
1.3 Change with Ageing
1.4 The Geriatric Syndrome Frailty
1.5 Sexual Activity and Ageing
1.6 Health and Sexual Activity in Older Adults
1.7 Final Note on the Book
References
2: Levels and Trends of Sexual Activity in Older Adults
2.1 Introduction
2.2 Levels and Trends of Sexual Activity in Older Adults
2.2.1 United Kingdom
2.2.2 United States of America
2.2.3 Finland
2.2.4 India
2.2.5 Cuba
2.2.6 Mexico
2.2.7 Norway, Denmark, Belgium, and Portugal
2.3 Instruments Used to Measure Sexual Activity in Older Adults
2.4 Conclusions
References
3: Sexual Activity and Physical Health Benefits in Older Adults
3.1 Effects of Physical Health on Sexual Activity
3.2 Effects of Sexual Activity on Physical Health
3.3 Conclusion
References
4: Sexual Activity and Mental Health Benefits in Older Adults
4.1 The Relationship Between Aging and Sexuality
4.2 Mental Health and Social Aspects of Sexuality in Older Adults
4.3 Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Its Influence on Mental Health in Older Adulthood
4.4 A Professional Approach to Sexuality in Older Adults
4.5 Psychotropic Drugs and Their Negative Effects on Sexual Function
References
5: Sexual Activity and Psychosocial Benefits in Older Adults: Challenges and Ways Forward
5.1 Introduction
5.2 Sexual Activity Experienced by Older Adults
5.2.1 Perceptions of Sexuality
5.2.2 Sexual Desire
5.2.3 Forms of Sexual Behaviour in Older Adults
5.3 Psychosocial Benefits of Sexual Activity in Older Age
5.4 Challenges Affecting Sexuality in Older Adults
5.4.1 Reasons for Sexual Inactivity
5.4.2 Social and Cultural Contexts
5.4.3 Structural Challenges
5.5 Strategies to Help Support Sexuality in Older Adults
5.5.1 Healthcare Practitioners
5.5.2 Sexuality Education, Sexually Transmitted Infections, and Condom Use
5.6 Conclusion and Future Prospects
References
6: ‘We’re Still Here, We’re Still Queer, We’re Still Doing It’: Sex and Sexual Health in Older LGBTQ+ Adults
6.1 The Impact of Stigma on Older LGBTQ+ Adults’ Sexual Functioning and Health
6.2 STIs and Other Sex-Related Issues Among Older LGBTQ+ Adults
6.3 Sexual Satisfaction Among Older LGBTQ+ Adults
6.4 Areas for Future Research
6.5 Conclusion
References
7: Risky Sexual Activity and Its Impact on Mental and Physical Health in Older Adults
7.1 Introduction
7.1.1 Defining Risky Sexual Behaviour
7.1.2 Engaging in Risky Sexual Behaviour in Older Adults
7.1.3 Sexually Transmitted Infections in Older Adults
7.1.4 Older Adults and Vulnerability to Sexually Transmitted Infections
7.1.4.1 Biological Issues
7.1.4.2 Psychosocial Issues
7.1.5 Health Outcomes Associated with Sexually Transmitted Infections in Older Adults
7.1.6 Mental Health Outcomes Associated with Risky Sexual Behaviours in Older Adults
7.2 Conclusion
References
8: Lifelong Sexual Practice and Its Influence on Health in Later Life
8.1 Background
8.1.1 Life Expectancy and Aging
8.1.2 Definition of Sexuality and Its Forms
8.1.3 Myths About Sexuality in Older Adults
8.2 Sexual Practice and Influence on Health
8.2.1 Frequency of Sexual Activities in Older Adults and Its Influence on Health
8.2.2 Sexual Practice in Older Adults and Its Influence on Health
8.2.3 Sexually Transmitted Infections in Older Adults
8.3 Health Issues and Concerns on Sexual Health
8.3.1 Health Reasons in Older Women That May Affect Sexual Functioning and Satisfaction
8.3.2 Health Reasons in Older Men That May Affect Sexual Functioning and Satisfaction
8.3.3 Sexual Health Among Older Adults Who Identify as Sexual and Gender Minorities
8.4 Sexual Health and Chronic Conditions Among Older Adults
8.5 Conclusion
References
9: Medication Use and Sexual Activity in Older Adults
9.1 Introduction
9.2 Men
9.2.1 Medication Affecting Sexual Function
9.2.2 Enhancing Sexual Activity
9.3 Women
9.3.1 Medication Affecting Sexual Function
9.3.2 Medication Enhancing Sexual Activity
9.4 Conclusions
References
10: Barriers to Sexual Activity in Older Adults
10.1 Introduction
10.2 Barriers to Sexual Activity in Older People
10.2.1 Lack of Positive Social Policy
10.2.2 Partner Availability
10.2.3 Psychological Factors
10.2.4 Difficulties Interacting with Health Professionals
10.2.5 Physical Conditions
10.3 Conclusions
References
11: Lifestyle Factors Supporting and Maintaining Sexual Activity in Older Adults
11.1 Introduction
11.2 Lifestyle Factors and Sexuality
11.2.1 The Lifestyle Factor: Physical Activity
11.2.1.1 More PA-Better Sexuality/Better Sexuality-More PA
11.2.1.2 Effects of PA on Sexuality
11.2.1.3 Training Methods
Aerobic Physical Activity
Practical Input
Muscle-Strengthening Exercises and Pelvic Floor Training
Practical Input for Muscle-Strengthening in General
Practical Input for Pelvic Floor Training Based on Olliver [38] Stretching
Practical Input
Yoga
11.2.2 Lifestyle Factor: Healthy Diet
11.2.2.1 Sarcopenia and Protein Intake
11.2.2.2 Fruits and Vegetables/Mediterranean Diet
11.2.2.3 Supplements
11.2.3 Lifestyle Factor: Alcohol
11.2.4 Lifestyle Factor: Non-smoking
11.2.5 Lifestyle Factor: Body Weight
11.3 Summary
References
12: Promotion of Sex in Older Adults
12.1 Barriers to Communication on Sexual Health in Older Adults
12.2 Healthcare Worker’s Knowledge on and Experience with Sexuality in Older Adults
12.2.1 Education of Healthcare Professionals in the Context of Sexuality
12.2.2 Evaluation of Sexual Health Services
12.3 Discussing Sexuality-Related Topics in a Professional Context
12.3.1 Basic Rules of Communication
12.3.2 Initiating a Conversation on Sexuality
12.3.3 Exploring Sexual History
References
13: Future Directions for Research and Practice in Sexual Health for Older Adults
13.1 Introduction
13.2 Prevention of Sexually Transmitted Infections in Older Adults
13.3 Effects of Noncommunicable Diseases and Medication on Sexual Health of Older Adults
13.4 Research Focusing on Sexual Satisfaction as Well as Positive Effects of Sexual Activity on Health of Older Adults
13.5 Diversity Aspects in Research and Practice of Sexual Health of Older Adults
13.6 Making Sexual Health of Older People a Health Policy Priority
13.7 Final Remarks
References
14: Concluding Summary
14.1 Concluding Remarks
References
15: Glossary