“Sex and sexuality are key functions of human beings. Its physical, emotional, psychological, and social aspects permeate into many parts of our lives. Therefore, it is a major contributor to “Quality of life”
In prior decades the topic of sexuality and aging has been viewed as having no real importance, a waste of professionals’ time, or at its worst, an oxymoron. Only in recent years have sexuality and aging been addressed seriously and responsibility from a clinical perspective. Empathic, attentive work from clinicians and researchers has allowed the field to gain increased respect as well as measurable body of knowledge. With the change in the world’s demographics, including a dramatic increase in the elderly and our society’s’ general tolerance for a more open discussion of sexuality in general, a substantial need for designs expertise in sexuality and aging has become readily apparent. The aging society represent not only a growing, but a diverse population who may engage in a variety of sexual behaviors within the context of various long-term, short-term and traditional and nontraditional relationships. The sexual differentiation does not differ from younger generations as they include lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender, as well as heterosexual. Aging adults also engage in a variety of activities including dating, cohabitation, affairs, having protected and unprotected sex, sexual abuse, masturbation and abstinence. They may be negotiating new relationships and sexual situations after divorce or death of a partner, seeking new partners through the internet and other forms of social media, or attempting to regain their sexual function after treatment for illness or disease. These adults may have sexual relationships within the context of community living, assisted living or full care nursing homes.
Despite potential differences in physical health and living arrangements, aging adults can and do engage in the same types of sexual behaviors as their younger counterparts, and like younger adults, may be satisfied or dissatisfied with their sex lives. However, because aging adults often encounter mixed societal messages about what constitutes appropriate sexual behavior and must cope with the presence of chronic illness and other physiological changes that may occur with aging, an understanding of the multidisciplinary nature of sexuality and aging becomes essential.
Whilst the existence of sexuality in the aging society is indisputable, a qualitative study conducted among researchers has demonstrated that negative attitudes towards later life sexuality still exists within our modern societies. Various qualitative and medical studies have revealed that ageist attitudes towards sexuality among older adults persist. The discussion of sexual health issues and sexuality is perceived as more relevant to a younger demographic than to an older one. Moreover, sex is not recognized as an appropriate topic of discussion with older adults.
Despite the inherent relevance to the quality of life and well-being of older adults, the area of study of sexuality at older ages has been (almost entirely) neglected. This raises questions regarding equality and justice in health services supplied to the general population and older population, in general. This topic has not just been ridiculed and tabooed in western society but reaches far deeper into our healthcare system. For the purpose of this proposal, the disparate care for sexuality from medical perspective will not be addressed in detail. However, older patients’ sexual concerns are most commonly treated from a biomedical perspective, while those of younger adults are considered from a broader perspective that included biological, psychological, and social dimensions. Misconceptions and stereotypes about later life and older adults prevail and interfere with healthcare seeking, as well as with diagnostic treatment recommendations. Consistent with previous research some physicians still have a negative attitude towards later life sexuality.
The research will be conducted within the field of Trends & Identity and will both benefit and feed into their current work on future care and health design. This will entail imbedding and immersing my work with theirs, benefitting from their expertise and sharing information.
Alongside the motivation of sharing information, growing within an already highly established specialization with leading researchers in the field of health design, future care and the aging society, there is of course also an intrinsic motivation.
All of us, if lucky, will become part of the aging society. In this work, the author not only looks at this body of research as a benefit for today’s aging population, but also for the “seniors of tomorrow”. In an attempt to ensure a high quality of life during all life phases, sex and sexuality are vital aspects that must be addressed, understood and newly shaped.