Sexual Activity And The Aging Process - 2639 Words

Regardless of age, broaching the topic of sex with someone other than your partner can be highly uncomfortable. In healthcare, patients are just as uneasy bringing up the subject as the healthcare workers. People proceed with hesitance and caution, wondering whether or not it is okay to talk about sex. When it comes to the older adult population, addressing the topic of sex can seem rather taboo. Younger generations view the geriatric population as asexual, preferring to make the assumption that those who are of older age do not engage in any sort of sexual activity. However, as evidenced by Gott and Hinchliff (2003b), the attitudes and thoughts of older adults regarding the role and value of sex in their own lives, remain loosely explored. Healthcare workers need to understand the reality that sexuality perseveres throughout the lifespan and that it is an important factor that needs to be addressed when considering health and the aging process. This paper aims to produce evidence th at sexual activity is relevant to the older adult population and that healthcare workers should play a role in addressing the sexual health and functioning of these individuals. Several articles will be reviewed along with evidence from other sources to present an argument for this purpose. Sexuality is a fundamental driving force of human nature, yet it is often unrecognized, and even neglected in the world of healthcare, particularly in the realm of older adults. More often than not, it isShow MoreRelatedAgeing - Physical and Psychological Changes. Pathological Ageing1665 Words   |  7 Pages The process of aging has been around as long as life itself. All living organisms pass through three broad stages from conception to death, which are maturation, maturity and aging. Aging affects everyone because nearly everyone has the potential to grow old and all the societies in which we live have older members (Macdonald, 1997). Gerontology is the use of reason to understand aging. The term was used to refer to the scientific study of aging, but nowadays it includes the study of aging usingRead MoreDiscrimination And Prejudice Against The Elderly877 Words   |  4 PagesNational Institute on Aging. According to Doctor Butler, the three primary prejudicial attitudes seem to be: (1) old age, and the aging process; (2) discriminatory practices against older people; and (3) institutional practices and policies that perpetuate stereotypes about older people. Much of what passes for knowledge and understanding of aging are myths, misleading information, or just bad information. Our youth oriented culture has developed a fear and prejudice against aging persons and unquestionablyRead MoreAge Gracefully and Aging Beautifully1151 Words   |  5 PagesAging Is a Natural Process Aging is a natural process that everyone is subjected to. As a matter of fact, the aging process started kicking in the moment we were born. However, its unsightly effects are only felt when we start hitting middle age. Despite this, knowing what triggers the unwanted effects of aging and being aware of the right products can actually help you easily slow down or give the illusion that you have halted the aging process before its effects actually get on your nerves. ManyRead MoreThe Face Of The Hiv Epidemic Essay1498 Words   |  6 Pages The face of the HIV epidemic has changed. People ages 50 and older now represent the fastest growing segment of HIV positive adults in the United States (Sankar et al, 2011). A workshop on HIV Infection and Aging estimated that by 2015, adults aged 50 and older will make up approximately 50% of all HIV/AIDS in the U.S. (Effros et al, 2008). Factors, including decreased efficiency of the immune system and decreased likelihood that older adults have been tested for HIV, increase the vulnerabilityRead MoreSociological Aging : A Sociological Perspective Essay902 Words   |  4 PagesSociological Aging Social aging is referring to the changes in individual’s roles and relationship in the society as they age. There are many different theories concerning sociological aging. Social theories on aging examine the relationship between individual experiences and social institutions e.g., aging and retirement; aging and institutional care; aging and government policy etc (Barkan 2012). All have limitations, and some can be considered more than others when attempting to understand socialRead MoreHow Adulthood Can Be Broken Down Further Into Two Sub Stages1172 Words   |  5 PagesAdulthood, adults are in the â€Å"prime of their lives†, that is, they are in top physical and cognitive health (lime). When a person reaches Middle Adulthood, their cognitive abilities remain stable; and they tend to approach things more practically; the activities and tasks engaged in by midlife are generally not cognitively challenging. Perhaps this is due to experience, or having many years of practice on the task at hand, or they may be employing selective optimization-they focus on and do the things theyRead MoreA Review of Sexuality and the Chronically Ill Older Adult: A Social Justice Issue1341 Words   |  6 Pagesill or have a chronic disease process or even disabled they are not able to have lasting relationships, be engaged in sexual activity, and the result is the older adult experiencing unvalued, unappreciated and not important. The article presents a thorough and detailed view on sexuality and the chronically ill older adult. Summary Sex is usually associated with the younger generation therefore individuals believe that the older adult do not engage in sexual activity. They believe that the olderRead MoreThe Incarceration Of Aging And Elderly1474 Words   |  6 Pagespurposes of this paper, the term aging and elderly population will refer to those who are incarcerated and are over the age of 61. As the number of elderly inmates continues to increase the number of stressors put on both the correctional system and the individual. In general, the correctional system faces a significant amount of financial stress in attempting to care for aging inmates, where as the inmates themselves face more emotional and physical stressors of aging, chronic illnesses, and even dyingRead MoreVision, Skin, and Diabetes Are Middle-Aged Concerns Essay1382 Words   |  6 PagesMiddle Age Adult Health Education When people first become aware of the gradual changes in their bodies that marks the aging process is usually in the middle-aged group. Many changes occur in this stage including physical and psychosocial concerns. It can be difficult at times for an individual to go through these changes. Nurses need to educate patients about these changes and the risks if not addressed. Being aware of the signs and symptoms and the resources that are available can help theRead MoreEffects Of Aging On Aging And Aging1343 Words   |  6 Pagesageing, this is generally the process of becoming old. It is the in a way the opposite of immortality. In a broader aspect, it may occur to single cells in an organism also called cellular senescence or the population of a species, known as population ageing. This process primarily affects human beings and fungi. In humans, it signifies the accumulation of various changes which occur over time. The changes include physical, social and psychological changes. Causes of aging are very uncertain. Besides