Sexuality in Older Adults: A Deconstructionist Perspective

Huffstetler, Beverly

doi:10.1002/j.2161-0029.2006.tb00009.x

Cited by 9 publications

(18 citation statements)

References 15 publications

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“…This finding is contrary to the ample evidence of aging sexual stigma within institutional policies, healthcare practices, and historically limited research on aging sexuality. Moreover, it is commonly agreed upon among experts and the literature on ageism and aging sexual stigma suggest that older adults continue to be viewed according to myths of incompetence, asexuality, and other less complimentary stereotypical beliefs (Cuddy, Norton & Fiske, 2005; Huffstetler, 2006; Weeks, 2002). However, when reviewing empirical research on attitudes toward aging sexuality, many studies report moderately permissive and positive attitudes, when examining specific age groups (Allen et al, 2009; Bouman et.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Stigma may be impacting other constructs not assessed in this study, but nonetheless present. For example, internalized stigma among older adults may emerge as body image concerns, lack of knowledge about sexual health, and/or incorrect or misinformation about aging sexuality (Huffstetler, 2006; Weeks, 2002). Current research and healthcare policies also suggest that aging stigma is present within healthcare institutions where aging sexual concerns are often underreported, ignored, and left untreated (Hajjar & Kamel, 2003; Hinchliff & Gott, 2011; Ports et al, 2014).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Along with the benefits, sexual health risks are relevant as we age, with rates of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) increasing in older cohorts (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2013). Despite mounting evidence for the importance of sexuality across the lifespan, it continues to be the target of societal stigma through ageism in general and aging sexual stereotypes that include asexual, undesirable, and incapable older adults (Hillman, 2012; Huffstetler, 2006). …”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Stigma permeates later life sex, often perpetuated by societal myths about both aging and sexuality (Hillman, 2012; Huffstetler, 2006; Weeks, 2002). In Western society, sex is for the young, beautiful, healthy, often married, and often heterosexual, illustrating what feminist theorists have termed the “charmed circle” of sexuality (Rubin, 1984).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Examining aging sexual stigma attitudes among adults by gender, age, and generational status

Syme¹,

Cohn²

2015

Aging & Mental Health

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Objectives Stigma related to later life sexuality could produce detrimental effects for older adults, through individual concerns and limited sexual healthcare for older adults. Identifying groups at risk for aging sexual stigma will help to focus interventions to reduce it. Accordingly, the purpose of this study was to examine cross-sectional trends in aging sexual stigma attitudes by age group, generational status, and gender. Method An online survey was administered to a national sample of adults via a crowdsourcing tool, in order to examine aging sexual stigma across age groups, generational status, and gender (N=962; 47.0% male, 52.5% female, and .5% other; mean age = 45 yrs.). An aging sexual stigma index was formulated from the attitudinal items of the Aging Sexual Knowledge and Attitudes Scale. Results This sample reported moderately permissive attitudes toward aging sexuality, indicating a low level of aging sexual stigma. Though descriptive data showed trends of stigma attitudes increasing with age and later generations, there were no significant differences between age groups or generations in terms of aging sexual stigma beliefs. Men, regardless of age and/or generation, were found to espouse significantly higher stigmatic beliefs than women or those reporting “other” gender. Conclusions Aging sexual stigma beliefs may not be prevalent among the general population as cohorts become more sexually liberal over time, though men appear more susceptible to these beliefs. However, in order to more comprehensively assess aging sexual stigma, future research may benefit from measuring explicit and implicit aging sexual stigma beliefs.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 2 more Smart Citations

Examining aging sexual stigma attitudes among adults by gender, age, and generational status

Syme¹,

Cohn²

2015

Aging & Mental Health

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

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“…However, older adults who desire sexual relationships often are constrained by psychological, social, and physical barriers (Ginsberg, Pomerantz, & Kramer-Feeley, 2005;Huffstetler, 2006). However, older adults who desire sexual relationships often are constrained by psychological, social, and physical barriers (Ginsberg, Pomerantz, & Kramer-Feeley, 2005;Huffstetler, 2006).…”

Section: Sexuality and Intimacy Between Couplesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Couples Surviving Prostate Cancer: Long-Term Intimacy Needs and Concerns Following Treatment

Sanders

Pedro²,

Bantum³

et al. 2006

Clinical Journal of Oncology Nursing

107

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Couples surviving prostate cancer face long-term challenges in their relationships as they adapt to chronic illness. Ten couples surviving prostate cancer were brought together in a focus group to discuss their experiences and concerns regarding intimacy in their relationships. During three 30-minute segments, couples described their experiences (a) as couples, (b) as individual men and women in two concurrent break-out groups, and (c) regarding current intimacy and relationship needs. Questions asked of couples focused on (a) the process of being diagnosed and treated for prostate cancer, (b) what the experience was like for them as a couple, (c) what was helpful, harmful, and surprising throughout the experience, (d) what they currently needed most as a couple, and (e) what advice they had for other couples. Findings suggested that men and women think and respond differently to intimacy and relationship challenges that occur as a result of prostate cancer, diagnosis, and treatment. Consequently, healthcare providers in any clinical setting who may interact with prostate cancer survivors must consider the relationship and intimacy needs that are unique to men, women, and couples.

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A Life Course Perspective on the Ways Older Men and Women Discuss Sexual Issues

et al. 2018

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Sexuality in Older Adults: A Deconstructionist Perspective

Abstract: Societal myths argue against active expression of sexuality in older adults, but these prejudices are unfounded. Using a deconstructionist framework, this article addresses issues surrounding sexuality in older adults. Implications for clinical practice are given.

Cited by 9 publications

References 15 publications

Examining aging sexual stigma attitudes among adults by gender, age, and generational status

Examining aging sexual stigma attitudes among adults by gender, age, and generational status

Couples Surviving Prostate Cancer: Long-Term Intimacy Needs and Concerns Following Treatment

A Life Course Perspective on the Ways Older Men and Women Discuss Sexual Issues

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