6. Gay Men and Aging: Sex and Intimacy

Wierzalis, Edward A.; Barret, Bob; Pope, Mark; Rankins, Michael

doi:10.7312/kimm13618-006

Cited by 15 publications

(17 citation statements)

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“…It is acceptable in most gay communities to be openly sexual, to have multiple partners, to negotiate openly for sex, and to enjoy sex freely (Bronski, 2000;Crossley, 2004). Given this, there may be less permission for gay (Schope, 2005;Smit et al, 2012;Wierzalis, Barret, Pope, & Rankins, 2006), older MSM may experience a pressure to look attractive and often are expected to be able to follow through on any sexual opportunities that arise. It is also much more acceptable and possible in some gay subcultures to use sex as a way to deal with stress and feelings of isolation (Murray & Adam, 2001).…”

Section: Factors Associated With Unprotected Anal Intercoursementioning

confidence: 99%

Condom Use, Disclosure, and Risk for Unprotected Sex in HIV-Negative Midlife and Older Men Who Have Sex With Men

2012

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Sexual risk behaviors account for most HIV infections in men who have sex with men (MSM), and the risk of exposure from each sexual encounter increases with age. The focus of this study was to investigate which behaviors in midlife and older MSM influence their sexual risk/protection. Cross-sectional data were collected from a community-based sample of 802 MSM aged 40 years and older from community venues (e.g., bars) who completed an anonymous questionnaire. Data from a subset of 420 MSM who were HIV-negative (aged 40-81 years) were used to investigate which behaviors were associated with greater risk for unprotected anal sex. Regression analyses indicated that erection difficulties (odds ratio [OR] = 4.7; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.8-12.2), practicing safe sex with outside partners but not with one’s primary partner (OR = 0.54; 95% CI = 0.3-0.94), and recreational drug use (OR = 2.6; 95% CI = 1.3-5.1) were associated with higher risk for unprotected receptive anal intercourse. Younger age (OR = 0.96; 95% CI = 0.9- 0.9), not telling partners about HIV status (OR = 3.2; 95% CI = 1.5-6.5), finding partners in backrooms/sex clubs (OR = 2.8; 95% CI = 1.1- 6.8), and erection difficulties (OR = 10.3; 95% CI = 2.8-37.8) were associated with higher risk for unprotected insertive anal intercourse. These data indicate there may be certain factors specific to older MSM that influence their sexual risk taking behaviors. Programs may be more effective if they are tailored for older cohorts of MSM and address interpersonal communication, erection problems, and substance use to reduce health risks and promote healthier lifestyles.

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Section: Factors Associated With Unprotected Anal Intercoursementioning

confidence: 99%

Condom Use, Disclosure, and Risk for Unprotected Sex in HIV-Negative Midlife and Older Men Who Have Sex With Men

2012

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“…Les problèmes sexuels peuvent être aussi associés aux maladies chroniques qui affectent la libido (diabète, maladies cardiaques, médicaments, etc. ; [Wierzalis et al, 2006]) ou constituer des effets secondaires des médicaments visant à soigner des conditions médicales dont la fréquence augmente avec l'âge.…”

Section: Préoccupations Relatives à La Santé Et Aux Relations Interpeunclassified

“…dans le champ de la santé sexuelle, le tiers des répondants rapportent des préoccupations associées au dépistage du VIH/sida et aux ITSS, ainsi qu'aux conduites sexuelles à risque, sans différence entre les deux groupes d'âge, alors que 20 % sont préoccupés par la prévention du VIH. Ces tendances suggèrent que malgré l'avancée en âge, une proportion significative de gais et bisexuels continue d'être attentive à des problèmes qui affectent de façon importante leurs communautés et auxquels ils continuent d'être exposés (anderson, 2009 ;Wierzalis et al, 2006). Peu de recherches se sont attachées à dégager les patrons de consommation de drogues, d'alcool et de tabac parmi les hommes gais et bisexuels âgés (Satre, 2006 ;anderson, 2009), mais parmi les LGBT âgés dans leur ensemble, leur prévalence serait plus élevée que dans la population hétérosexuelle âgée.…”

Section: Préoccupations De Santéunclassified

Le vieillissement chez les hommes gais et bisexuels canadiens : un portrait de l’état de santé et des préoccupations relatives à la santé et aux relations interpersonnelles

Lévy

Adam

Blais

et al. 2013

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“…Gay men face aging issues similar to those of their heterosexual counterparts, but there are enough differences to warrant discussion of this population's challenges and issues (Wierzalis, Barret, Pope, & Rankins, 2006). Some of the stresses that are unique to the older gay man are stigmatized sexual orientation, invisibility related to their sexual orientation, and general negative stereotypes and discrimination regarding aging (Brown, Sarosy, Cook, & Quarto, 1997).…”

Section: Gay Men and Aging: An Overviewmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Many older gay clients, including those in relationships, find themselves more focused on emotional intimacy and less concerned with sexual performance. Clients speak of their appreciation of others and their growing awareness of what each person brings to their relationship (Wierzalis et al, 2006). Sexual activity may increase or decrease as men age.…”

Section: Aging Sexuality and Physical Attractivenessmentioning

confidence: 99%