The Impact of Caregiving

Abstract

Using an adapted phenomenological approach, the current study explores older women's stories about the ways in which providing care to their spouse or partner has affected their sexual and intimate lives. Findings suggest that older women's sexual identities and experiences of sexuality are marked by both ageist constructions of ''older woman as asexual'' and loss of self associated with taking on the role of caregiver. Findings also suggest that women resist these constructions of self through the development of other forms of intimacy in their lives. Suggestions for increasing opportunities to address women's realities in service provision are highlighted.

Sexual Aging: A Systematic Review of Qualitative Research on the Sexuality and Sexual Health of Older Adults

“…Three studies focused on issues of intimacy, and findings were diverse. In the shift of roles from partner (wife, husband) to caregiver, sexual intimacy often suffered, although emotional intimacy may strengthen through care for some (Drummond et al, 2013; Harris, Adams, Zubatsky, & White, 2011; Youell, Callaghan, & Buchanan, 2016). For others, emotional intimacy decreased due to the stress of caregiving (Harris et al, 2011).…”

“…This acceptance may prevent older men from seeking treatment for sexual problems (O’Brien et al, 2011; Pinnock et al, 1998). Similarly, women who were caregivers to their spouses felt that sexuality was no longer relevant to their daily lives, so they refused to discuss sexual problems with friends or health care providers (Drummond et al, 2013). Some may not address sexual issues with doctors because sexual dysfunction can be seen as separate to health.…”

“…Lack of available information about sexual issues and lack of rapport with health care providers prevented older men and women from seeking help. Many older people felt that health care providers were not forthcoming with information regarding sexual issues, were too embarrassed to discuss the issue, or were not knowledgeable enough to assist with sexual problems (Abramsohn et al, 2013; Drummond et al, 2013; Gott & Hinchliff, 2003a; O’Brien et al, 2011; Pinnock et al, 1998; Roe & May, 1999; Slinkard & Kazer, 2011). In particular, those whose sexual problems were a result of health conditions (such as cancer and diabetes) were not aware that these problems might be related to their condition.…”

“…However, this acceptance of sexual problems as a part of normal aging could also act as a barrier to seeking help from health care providers for those who may benefit from it (Drummond et al, 2013; O’Brien et al, 2011; Pinnock et al, 1998). This raises the following question: Are these older adults truly accepting of sexual changes, or do they simply feel that they have no other options?…”

“…For others, emotional intimacy decreased due to the stress of caregiving (Harris et al, 2011). One article reported that lack of intimacy was coped with by participants replacing their sexual identity with a caregiving identity (Drummond et al, 2013). However, the same article reported women's acts of intimacy with a partner, someone else, or alone.…”