I often laugh about how “clinical” we become when we speak about sexual activity when it concerns seniors. We are all going to get there at some time and there is no better time to talk about it than now.
An AARP study found that 5 out of 6 individuals disagreed with the idea that sex is for young people. 60% of the participants stated that sexual activity is part of a healthy relationship. 50% of women and 66% of men stated that a satisfying sex life is essential to the quality of their life.
While interest in sex does not wane with age, neither does frequency. A New England Journal of Medicine study noted that 25% of senior respondents in the age range of 75 to 85 have sex weekly and 50% have sex two to three times a week. Seniors noted that not only do they have intercourse, but they also enjoy foreplay and oral sex.
Now consider an institutionalized senior or a senior who has lost their spouse of significant other. We find that based on the literature and dialogue with senior patients, the desire for sex and intimacy don’t cease to exist with life changes. The challenge for us is to be open and accept this as a part of the life of a human. This covers the scope of individuals who are participants in the life of seniors including healthcare providers, children of the seniors and friends of the seniors.
Keeping an open mind and being aware of the needs of intimacy and sexual desire are the first steps to helping maintain healthy sexual appetites and fulfillment. By closing the discussion, we simply make it a taboo subject based on our own narrow beliefs. As the baby boomer population ages, we will face this on a more frequent basis. We need to be prepared by exploring our own beliefs and attempting to be open to discussion about this important human topic.
Please get in touch with us if you have concerns regarding your loved one in this area.