Sexuality in older men with mental health problems

Abstract

Sexuality in elderly men is a neglected area, surrounded by myths and strongly in uenced by psychosocial factors. Despite physiological changes in sexual functioning, many men continue healthy sexuality into late life. Sexual problems are common in the dementias and in depressive illness. They may generate dif cult ethical dilemmas for health and social care staff. Various treatments, psychological, environmental and pharmacological, may be of bene t. Although prescribed drugs may be used to treat sexual dysfunction, they may also cause it. Attitudes towards sexuality in elderly men have a powerful in uence in determining whether sexual behaviours are regarded as dysfunctional, and in the recognition and treatment of sexual dysfunction.

Sexuality in Older Adults: A Deconstructionist Perspective

“…Although an examination of historical and societal attitudes informs the current attitudes toward sexuality in older adults, it is equally important to examine empirical studies to determine if historical literature is indeed an accurate representation of sexual patterns. Several studies have validated the view that sexual activity continues late in life for both men and women (Jagus & Benbow, 2002;Matthias, Lubben, Atchison, & Schweitzer, 1997). Kaplan (1990) reported that 70% of 70-year-olds are sexually active at least once a week.…”

Using Service-Learning Research to Enhance the Elderly's Quality of Life

“…For instance, since many elderly men with dementia have sexual problems, they often present problematic ethical dilemmas to the health providers involved in their care (Jagus & Benbow, 2002). Additionally, sexual acting out is often seen in psychiatric patients residing in nursing homes (Birkett, 2001).…”

“…Many elderly continue to have a healthy sexual life, in spite of the age-related physiological changes that are likely to affect it 690 L. Laganà (Jagus & Benbow, 2002). Recent literature emphasizes the importance of innovative therapy that focuses on enhancing erotic potential in older adulthood (Kleinplatz, 2001).…”

“…According to these authors, interventions of this kind are likely to positively affect the elderly's quality of life, since conjugal functioning acquires a more important role as couples grow older and retire. According to Jagus and Benbow (2002), many myths surround older adults' sexuality, and attitudes towards it affect whether the elderly's sexual behaviors are viewed as dysfunctional; therefore, SL applications in this area are needed. SL students could survey the elderly themselves on the topic of sexuality, to find out whether they subscribe to sexual myths, and interested faculty could subsequently design SL projects aimed at dispelling them.…”

Improvement of Older Women's Sexuality Through Emancipatory Education

“…It is important to note that other studies have demonstrated that sexual interest, including desire and the capacity for sexual activity, however, remained until late adult life even though sexual activity had declined in older age (Bretschneider & McCoy, 1988;Jagus & Benbow, 2002;Lindau, Leitsch, Lundberg, & Jerome, 2006;Marsiglio & Donnelly, 1991). The level of sexual activity of older adults was directly correlated to level of sexual activity and enjoyment during young and middle adulthood (Weeks, 2002).…”