Late Life Developmental Sexuality: sexuality in later life - Research Paper Example

? Late Life Developmental Sexuality: sexuality in later life Late Life Developmental Sexuality: sexuality in later life It is apparent that the issue of sexuality in later life has been a problem to many people. Studies have documented that, when people age, many changes takes place in their bodies, and which greatly affect their sexuality in later life (Walker, 1997). These changes come in terms of body, psychological and even emotional changes. Nevertheless, different people experience different changes depending on lifestyle and other biological factors. In another dimension, men experience different changes as compared to women. As men slowly become impotence, women tend to experience hormonal imbalance, something that affects sexual function. Common sexual function problems As Miller (2009) postulated, In women, some changes as they get old affect the way they perform sexually or even the way they enjoy sex. For instance, some women notice changes in their vagina. This comes in terms of the vagina becoming shorter and narrow as they age. In addition, the vagina walls may become thinner and stiffer, something that can make them feel uncomfortable or painful experience during sexual intercourse. On the same note, some women experience less vaginal lubrication during sex. With such deliberations, it is apparent that women would not enjoy sex in their later life. On the other hand, men have their own problems that may affect their later sexual life. When men get older, impotence is a common thing to many. The most common problem is in form of failure to keep an erection during sexual intercourse. On the same note, some take longer time to have an erection. The erection may not be as firm as or as large as it is usually the case. As opposed to the normal situation when section takes a little longer time even after orgasm, some men with impotence problem are not able to maintain erection for a while after orgasm. Cause of sexual problems in later life Psychological and social problems In most cases, since sex is all about how mind is set when having sex, it is, therefore necessary to focus on how psychological issues affect people’s sexuality life in later life. When a couple has always been in constant conflicts in their marriage or relationship, chances of enjoying sex at later life becomes less (Bancroft, 2003). Many people would find it difficult to have an arousal especially when they are always fighting with their spouses. Some conflicts are brought about by the fact that some spouses experience financial problems, which brings conflict in their marriage. In another dimension, some people strain a lot to make their ends meet. This means that the man, woman or even both are so tired after a day full of hard work. When this happens, the couple may not enjoy sex. Studies have documented that people living in poverty live a shorter life as compared to the rich. In this regard, it is also apparent that the poor would get worn out/get old faster than the rich. This has a lot to do with their sexual life in their later life. In another dimension, stress has been found to cause problems in sexual life. When people are stressed, they find it difficult to perform sexually (Bancroft, 2003). As people get older, some issues such as inheritance become a problem. Others get affected by their children’s issues especially when the children are not able to become successful in life. When such issues are evident, a couple may find it difficult to enjoy sex in their later life. Illnesses It is also apparent that illnesses, which are common in old age, affect people’s sexual life (Rossi, 1999). For example, old people who had at one point affected by stroke may find difficulties to perform sexually. This is arguably true because some of these people have to be assisted in getting into the right position due to paralysis. In fact, studies have documented that some people experiencing paralysis below their waist may not be able to experience orgasm or pleasure. Depression has also been found to play a key factor in preventing people in old age to enjoy sex. This is arguably true because depression affect people from doing things that they like. Diabetes has also been associated with causing conditions that make not to enjoy sex (Rossi, 1999). In men, diabetes has been associated with causing impotence. Nevertheless, less has been proved in relation to diabetes affecting women sexuality. However, it is apparent that diabetes may cause vaginal yeast infections, which in turn may affect sexuality. Dementia has also been found to greatly affect people’s sexual life. Although dementia may increase people’s interest in sex and closeness, many people may not be in a position to judge the appropriate sexual behavior. People with severe dementia many not even recognise their spouses although they may have the sexual urge. Chronic pain is also widely known to inhabit people from enjoying sex and especially in later life. Constant pain may interfere with intimacy between older people (McAnulty, 2006). This is arguably true because older become get weak more quickly than young people. In order for sexual experience to be as expected, the parties involved must have good energy to perform. On the same note, although some medicines have been used to curb pain, some of them have been found to cause problems in sexual function. On the other hand, arthritis is also a major problem in older people in relation to affecting their sexual life. This is arguably true because arthritis has been known to cause joint pain. When old people experience joint pains, they may not be able to perform sexually. In addition, surgery has been known to cause sexual problems in old age. For example, a surgery involving breasts or even genital area may affect people’s sexual life. However although some of the surgeries are meant to improve people’s health, some people are preoccupied with issues of how such surgery would affect their sex life. In this regard, these thoughts inhibit them from performing during sex. In this regard, it is important for such people to be subjected to counseling in order to help them overcome such assumptions, which may end up affecting their sex life especially for person entering old age. Approaches and resources for resolving or improving such problems In regard to solving the issue related to psychological problems that affect people’s sexual life in their later life, it is always important for such people to seek psychiatrics advice on the same (McAnulty, 2006). Some of the issue involving stress and conflicts in marriage can be solved by seeking professional counseling. Nevertheless, as it is apparent that financial problem also plays a key role in affecting people’s sexuality in old age, it would be appropriate for such people to instill measures that would help them plan their old age in order to have financial stability. On the same note, it is also critical for poor people in old age to get the assistance they deserve especially from their children or any other members of the family. This way, issues of the inability to perform sexually would be solved. On the other hand, issues related to illnesses also need to be addressed by doctors effectively. It is necessary for people in old age to always seek medical attention and checkups not only when they feel sick, but for regular checkups because prevention is always better than cure (Miller, 2009). In addition, the old people need to stick to physicians’ advice and medication in order to avoid problems that may emanate from inappropriate medication. References: Bancroft, J. (2003). Human sexuality and its problems. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone. McAnulty, R. (2006). Sex and sexuality / 1 Sexuality today: trends and controversies. Westport, CT [u.a.]: Greenwood Press. Miller, C. (2009). Nursing for wellness in older adults. Philadelphia: Wolters Kluwer Health/Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. Rossi, A. (1999). Sexuality across the life course. Chicago [u.a.]: Univ. of Chicago Press. Walker, B. (1997). Sexuality and the elderly: a research guide. Westport, Conn.[u.a.]: Greenwood Press. Read More