Sexuality in older age: essential considerations for healthcare professionals

Taylor, A. and Gosney, M. A. (2011) Sexuality in older age: essential considerations for healthcare professionals. Age and ageing, 40 (5). pp. 538-543. ISSN 1468-2834 doi: 10.1093/ageing/afr049

Abstract/Summary

This review describes the fact that many elderly people enjoy an active sex life and examines the evidence against the general perception of an 'asexual' old age. It offers an overview of the evidence for healthcare professionals who had not previously considered the sexuality of their older patients. It also describes some of the sexual problems faced by older people, especially the difficulties experienced in disclosing such problems to healthcare professionals. It examines why healthcare professionals routinely avoid discussing sexual problems with older patients, and how this can be improved. It also offers some recommendations for future research in the area, as well as a word of caution regarding the temptation of over-sexualising the ageing process.

Item Type	Article
URI	https://reading-clone.eprints-hosting.org/id/eprint/28263
Item Type	Article
Refereed	Yes
Divisions	Life Sciences > School of Chemistry, Food and Pharmacy > Department of Food and Nutritional Sciences > Human Nutrition Research Group
Uncontrolled Keywords	sexuality; sexual problems; communication skills; elderly
Publisher	Oxford University Press
Download/View statistics	View download statistics for this item