Abstract
Contemporary American culture generally has three responses to the sex lives of older adults: to assume they do not exist, to demonize and portray them as repulsive, or to make them of comedic entertainment value (LeVay et al., 2021). Despite documented benefits of sex and intimacy (Hillman, 2008; LeVay et al., 2021; Williams & Donnelly, 2002), dominant cultural norms reserve sexuality for younger cohorts. Older adults continue being sexually active in later years as evidenced by the range of sexually transmitted infections (Johnson, 2013) and new diagnoses of AIDS (Huang et al., 2015). Although health impacts are apparent, practitioners do not initiate sex-related conversations with the frequency preferred by their older patients (Gott et al., 2004). These findings highlight a communication gap that ultimately hinders successful aging. This project gathered qualitative data with 30 adults on communicative patterns with healthcare providers and perceived sexual health needs. The sample included 19 women and 11 men where 60% of the sample identified as White/Caucasian, 37% as Black/African American, and 3% as Asian Pacific Islander. Approximately 80% identified as straight/heterosexual, 10% as gay/lesbian, 7% as bisexual, and 3% as asexual. Results point to a specific protocol that may be useful to healthcare providers in addressing the topic of sexual health in ways that meet unique needs and highlighted the need for tailored resources deemed useful by older adults. The discussion focuses on efforts that contribute to a holistic modality of care and illuminate an aspect of well-being that has historically been ignored.
Presenters
Jennifer ZorotovichAssociate Professor, Human Development and Family Science, Georgia Southern University, United States Adrienne Cohen
Sociology Professor, Sociology and Anthropology, Georgia Southern University, Georgia, United States Nikki DiGregorio
Associate Professor, Human Development and Family Science, Georgia Southern University, Georgia, United States Debra Hagerty
Associate Professor, Nursing, Georgia Southern University, Armstrong Campus, United States
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
Medical Perspectives on Aging, Health, Wellness
KEYWORDS
Sexuality in Later Life, Perceived Sexual Health Needs
