Sexuality and aging

Introduction

In the simplest of terms, sexuality is the manner in which a person perceives or goes about to express their sexual nature. On the other hand, aging is the gradual process of getting old that comes with time. It is common knowledge that sexual desires fade with advancement in age. Although it is good to accept sexual change that comes with age, it is similarly vital to note not all hope is lost. As the number of older adults aged 65 years old and above increase, it is significant to discuss their sexual lives and measures they can take to improve their sexuality at this crucial age. This paper will discuss the steps older adults, aged 65 years and above can take to improve their sexual lives. In addition, it will examine the importance of the sexuality and indicators of sexuality in the presence of seniors. Most of the arguments against strengthening sexual of seniors centers around assumptions and taboos due to their status in the society.

Counter-arguments

The most common counter-argument against improving the sexual nature of seniors focuses on ethics (Whitbourne, p 95).Most people in conservative societies argue that sexuality is of no importance to the older adults and they perceive it as unethical and a taboo. Moreover, a community does not have the slightest ideas why an elderly would want to improve their quality of life through sexuality. Secondly, people look up to older people due to the achievements garnered over their lifetime. In light of respect and credentials of older adults, the public assumes that they cannot be sexually active and develop a negative attitude toward their sex lives. Contrary to popular belief, some older adults usually are sexually active even at the age of 65 years and above. Thirdly, the public forms myths around the sexual lives of seniors. Tales such as seniors leave sexual activity at a certain age due to sicknesses are just a myth with no foundational basis at all. In short, counter-arguments often assume that seniors do not have sexual needs and due to the status acquired in the society, it would be uncouth and embarrassing to bring up matters sex at that age. People avoid the embarrassment of discussing seniors and sexuality, as most of them are parents and guardians to the young generation (Whitbourne, p 205).

In response to the counter-arguments, seniors remain sexually active even at their advanced age. The fact that the public is uncomfortable discussing the idea of elders having sex does brush away the fact that senior people have sex.In fact, there is no evidence to show that proves sexuality stops at a certain age. It is all assumption coupled with fictional events. Studies show that 87% of married couples aged between 60- 89 years of age are still sexually active (Hillman, p 127). On the other hand, retired seniors are not that far behind. The survey above proves that sexuality does not reduce aging and even if the vice versa is true; there exist corrective measures to ensure that the sex life of an elderly is normalized. Just as sex is a healthy activity in youths, it has a similar effect to senior adults. In addition, sexuality does not center on sexual intercourse alone but romance acts such as massage, bathing together and other intimate forms of intimacy (Hillman, p 78).

My argument

Sexuality is important to every human as exemplified by a study conducted below. A survey took 430 senior adults aged between 60-89 years old. The sample composed of 271 women and 99 men. The people who took part in this exercise considered themselves as healthy.42percentage of the participants were couples in marriages .35% had a university degree. This study deducted that quality of life involves the ability to carry out various activities in life but sex has a role to play in the health of the elderly. Couples prioritized sex as a means of maintaining good health. The study also revealed that sexuality does not slow down with age and it was a matter of choice and interest than the effects of advancing age. The satisfaction that comes because of an intimate relationship is good indicators of functional health status. Sexual activity is a form of exercise that keeps diseases at bay and reduces stress due to the release of hormones such as endorphins. Endorphins are painkillers that occur naturally within the body and reduce pain within the body of elderly individuals. Thus, due to the health benefits that come with sex, old people should engage in the act (Hillman, p 113).

Lack of sex in the lives of elders can be a sign of poor health (Hillman, p 54). For the body to respond to stimuli and engage, other body parts in intercourse, vital body functions come into play. The mental status of the individual should be active and functional. The coordination of brain and other sexual organs signify the overall health, functionality, and ability to carry out various activities in the life of an elder (Hillman, p 87).

Regarding emotional stability, as an individual attains the age of 50 years and above, they become unstable emotionally. This emotional instability brings about depression, which can develop unwanted illnesses such as pain and stress-related pain. Nevertheless, engaging in sexual activity is one of the ways stress and depression escape the body. Sex keeps the mind busy, away from various stressful thoughts that may lead to depression in the long term (Hillman, p 178).

In men, ejaculation reduces chances of getting prostate cancer. This benefit is notable to senior men (Schiavi, p91). Medical experts advice that elderly should ensure that their sexuality remains standard even as they age. Not to mention, physical activities that come with sexual activity retains the joints and other physical parts of the body due to the movements during the act. Thus, sexuality maintains the physical condition of elders.

It is a fact that age affects sexuality. Nevertheless, the effects of age on sexuality are not uniform across the board. This variance gives medical experts the chance to come up with unique ways of capturing the challenge and rectifying it before it gets out of hand. On the psychological level, old women may lose confidence due to faded beauty. On the other side, men are usually afraid of erectile dysfunctions that come because of old age. Because of these psychological tendencies, they decrease their sexual activity (Zal, p 123).Due to advancement in medical research, many corrections make sexual fulfillment easier and attainable at an elderly age. First of all, some medicines can rectify sexual problems that come with age.

A part of cardiovascular fitness and releasing the pain that comes with having sex at an advanced age, no matter the age, humans are sexual beings and advanced period does not change the fact (Zal, p 34).Elders have sexual desires just like their young counter parts. Their sexual needs are not different due to their age. Sexuality remains with a persona as they age and its expression is not that different from the young generations.

Lastly, in my honest point of view sexuality expresses itself mostly within an intimate relationship surrounding. This implies that an elderly with an active sex life is likely to be in a relationship with another person. The development of a relationship washes way loneliness and caters for a social need such as food, security, social conversations and needs, and requests. Thus, these relationships foster good qualities, inputs ordinary skills that in turn elongate the life of an elderly individual. The existence of a sexual partner does nurture the social sector and the health sector of an elderly individual. The general quality of life of an elderly individual improves with a relationship built on the intimate ground with their partners. The existence of personal l relationship points to or translates to the ability to carry out daily activities in life, independence, liberty, and accessibility to overall physical well-being maintenance due to the presence helpers (Schiavi, p 163).

Conclusion

Sexuality in elders can improve due to modern day medicines technology. Sexual activities at an elderly age are helpful and have the same effect just like in young people. It reliefs pain and keeps an elder physically fit. The activity also coordinates vital organs of the body during the sexual activity. People assume that sexuality becomes useless with old age but recent research reveals the contrary. Sexuality occurs within an intimate relationship. An intimate relationship provides companionship, friendship, and assistance to older adults.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Works cited

 

Zal, H M. A Psychiatrist's Guide to Successful Retirement and Aging: Coping with Change. Lanham: Lexington Books, 2016.

Whitbourne, Susan K. The Aging Individual: Physical and Psychological Perspectives. New York: Springer Publishing Company, 2002

Hillman, Jennifer. Sexuality and Aging [recurso Electrónico]: Clinical Perspectives. Estados Unidos: Springer New York, 2012

Schiavi, Raul C. Aging and Male Sexuality. Cambridge [u’s.: Cambridge Univ. Press, 1999.