Sexuality and Aging: The Hammerlock of Myths
- 1 September 1994
- journal article
- research article
- Published by SAGE Publications in Journal of Applied Gerontology
- Vol. 13 (3) , 219-235
- https://doi.org/10.1177/073346489401300301
Abstract
Contrary to the myths accepted by many in Western society, elderly people are highly sexual beings with sexual thoughts and desires that persist into advanced age for most individuals. Unfortunately, the sexual needs of the elderly are often ignored by family members, caregivers, and society in general. This article reviews relevant information concerning sexuality in the elderly including historical myths and current societal attitudes, sexual attitudes and behavior of elders, benefits of sexual expression, particular problems presented by nursing home care, valid alternate sexual outlets, and the need for education. Finally, an implications section for practitioners, policymakers, and families is included.Keywords
This publication has 16 references indexed in Scilit:
- Sexuality and aged women in nursing homesGeriatric Nursing, 1992
- Management of sexual relationships among elderly residents of long-term care facilitiesGeriatric Nursing, 1992
- The Implications of the Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome for Gerontology Research and Geriatric MedicineJournal of Gerontology, 1990
- Sexual interest and behavior in healthy 80- to 102-year-oldsArchives of Sexual Behavior, 1988
- Widowhood, sexuality and aging: A life span analysisJournal of Sex & Marital Therapy, 1988
- Erectile Failure in the Aged: Evaluation and TreatmentJournal of the American Geriatrics Society, 1988
- Sexuality and the Institutionalized ElderlyJournal of the American Geriatrics Society, 1987
- Elderly women's attitudes toward sexual activity among their peersHealth Care for Women International, 1984
- KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDES TOWARD SEXUALITY AND SEX EDUCATION OF A SELECT GROUP OF OLDER PEOPLEGerontology & Geriatrics Education, 1983
- The Physiological PerspectivePublished by Elsevier ,1983