Sexuality in the Later Years

Abstract

Many people deny the existence and importance of sexuality among the elderly members of our population. In a time when people are increasingly tolerant of sexual self-determination for virtually every segment of our population, why do we cling to puritanical moralities and outdated ideas in our approach toward sex in ageing men and women? Reasons range from psychological conflicts to social taboos; some stem from the selfish concerns of the young, and others are rooted in the cultural stereotypes and ignorance about the sexual behaviour of elderly people. It is not easy to find research on ageing and sexuality that does not suffer from extreme sample bias or the difficulty in getting older people to speak candidly about their sexuality. This paper explores some of the issues relating to sexuality in the later years. Myths and cultural attitudesWe are living in a time when society seems increasingly tolerant of sexual self-determination for virtually every segment of our population: the young singles, the married, and the homosexual. Why do we still cling to outdated morality and ideas when we consider the sexuality of older men and women? The myths about ageing are many, and in the area of human sexuality and elderly people, myths are not only rampant, they are believed by the young, middle aged, and unfortunately by the aged individuals themselves.The fact that men and women are interested and participate in a variety of sexual activities in their 70's, 8o's, and beyond, astonishes many people, young and old. A significant segment of our society • Kingsborough Community College, 2001 Oriental Boulevard, Brooklyn, New York "235-

Sexuality and Older People: Revisiting the Assumptions

“…Being comfortable with one's sexuality implies acknowledging and accepting one's body, feelings, values, and attitudes towards sexuality (Bernhard & Dan, 1986;Kaye, 1993). However, society conspires to deny sexual fulfillment to older people in many ways (Spong, 1988).…”

“…It is important to note that age itself abolishes neither the need nor the capacity for sexual activity (Kaye, 1993;Kellet, 1991;Thienhaus et al, 1986), and many people enjoy a fulfilling sex life to the end of their lives.…”

“…At this time, the pressures of child rearing, caring for elderly parents, and work and retirement anxiety may adversely affect sexual activity (Crose & Drake, 1993;Robinson, 1983). In some longstanding relationships, lack of knowledge and cultural expectations may result in repetitive and monotonous sexual activity, resulting in boredom (Kaye, 1993).…”

“…Research on aging and sexuality typically suffers from sample bias (Kaye, 1993). The majority of studies have been carried out on small samples of white, relatively affluent, well-educated older cohorts (Crose & Drake, 1993;Hall et al, 1982;Turner & Adams, 1988).…”

Views of Older Native American Adults in Colonial New England

“…In this case, the older man's supposed lack of a sex drive made it easier for him to convert. As other scholars have found, in terms of human biology, old age does not necessarily lead to a strong decline in sexual desire or an abandonment of sexual activity (Butler and Lewis 2002;Hillman 2000;Kaye 1993). Nonetheless, Eliot apparently assumed that older adults were responsible for converting to Christianity first and then setting an example for others, particularly youths, whose virility supposedly made it difficult to become Christianized.…”