Impact of Aging on Sexuality and Relationships

Sex and Aging : A Timely Topic

"Viagratization" of America

"Graying" of America - baby boomers have arrived

changing cultural sterotypes of middle-aged women-combination of strength+sexuality(Tina Turner, Sigourney Weaver)

research and treatment for postmenopausal sexual problems

The Impact of Aging on Relationships, Occupation, and Sexuality

Impact of Aging on Relationships

new relationships - new couples have not enough time to form intimacy, but passion is there
men do better with depression in marriage

Impact of Occupation

age is a poor predictor of career stage
midlife may signal transition or introspection
occupation as a stress buffer, occupation as a source of stress, occupation affects personal identity and self-esteem

Impact of Aging on Sexuality

sexual health is composed of desire (drive, cognition, and motivation), sexual equilibrium
components of Sexual Desire: (1) Drive, (2) Expectations/beliefs/values, (3) Motivation
sexual equilibrium - the balance of sexual capacities between two people, equality in initiation of sex
nonsexual relationship: couple is sexual together less than 10 times per year (arbitrary definition)

Sexual Problems related to Estrogen Deficiency

genital atrophy
increased vaginal Ph
decreased lubrication
dyspareunia, vaginismus
hot flashes/night sweats
bladder problems
androgens are responsible for sex drive for both genders; decline in sexual drive caused by decreased androgens associated with menopause

Age-related Changes Affecting Sexuality

decreased drive
body image - If women feel that the changes that our happening to them is bad, then they will feel unattractive
health problems
hysterectomy - presurgical counseling to prepare couples for changes.
partner - changes in feelings, attitudes

Health Changes and Sexual Functioning

physical limitations
fatigue
medication side-effects
women outlive men
body image
relationship imbalance: Nurse vs. Patient (Women could feel like they are a nurse and man is their patient)

Prevention and Treatment of Sexual Problems in Elderly couples

Remember to ask about medications when sexual history

Educate women about viagra and prepare them for getting accustomed to having sex with previously impotent man