Dr. Sr. Rosamma John, ICM, Ph.D 1

 Contrary to the common belief, elderly people do have sensual feelings and sexuality 2

 Changes in sexual expression and preferred sexual activity may be common with advancing age 3

 Sexual attitudes and behaviour in old age reflect a continuation of lifelong patterns 4

 Negative attitudes learned at a young age may seriously impair the ability to enjoy sex in later life 5

 Religious sanctions that restrict sex to the purposes of reproduction only, and ignore the importance of intimacy, love, and sexual pleasure for well-being, deny important human needs. 6

 availability of a sexual partner,  living circumstances of the couple,  lack of privacy  Sickness 7

 Personal relationship with partner can improve with age  Sex can be an important way of connecting 8

 Improve mental and physical health.  Increase lifespan.  Solidify relationships.  Give refuge  Improve overall quality of life 9

 Promotes intimacy between partners  Physical, intellectual, and spiritual fulfilment  Encourages open communication  Dispels stereotypes about the elderly 10

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 The elderly do not want to be sexually active.  Sexual interest decreases with age.  The elderly are not capable or desirous of sex.  Sexual dysfunction = the end of an active sex life. 12

 Elderly sex is dysfunctional.  Sexual performance is impossible for those with cognitive loss  There is no risk of STDs and/or HIV.  Do not need sex education or information 13

 People who are ill or dying have no interest in sex  Should be protected from sexual thoughts or activity due to potential harm. 14

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 Illness and/or decline of health (self or partner)  Impotence  Feelings of guilt (i.e. cultural and/or generational attitudes about sex)  Widow’s Syndrome  Lack of freedom 16

 Lack of privacy  Lack of a partner  Fear of what others will think or say  Inability to discuss issues and concerns with healthcare professionals  Low self-esteem 17

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 Enhanced quality of life  Increased self-esteem  A sense of belonging  Decreased loneliness  Decreased depression  Healing 19

 Raised heart and breathing rates  Restored energy  Exercise of muscle groups  Emotional intimacy is important for a satisfying sexual relationship  Maintain overall fitness 20

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 Lack of Interest / Decreased Desire  Self or partner not interested in having sex  Hormonal changes (i.e. menopause and post menopausal status) may result in low sexual desire 22

 Fear of pain and/or discomfort  Cognitive decline and/or impairment  Change in relationship status- single, divorced, widow(er), etc. 23

 SEX never gets old  Human sexuality is a natural, unique and integral part of every person’s identity (Heath, 1999; Kessel, 2001).  We need to understand and change our attitudes towards sexuality of the elderly. 24

25 THANK YOU