The Assault on Reason by Al Gore - Essay Example

Do we need to allow sexual activity in nursing home or deny it? And why? It is only logical to suggest that all reasonable steps need to be taken with regard to the elderly and their liberties that they have enjoyed throughout their lives. Sexual freedom and the right to choose a sexual partner is something which is taken for granted in our society. However, the same freedoms that are available to those in the general population as well as those which are granted to many teenagers may be simply taken away from the elderly and that puts them in a very unfair position.

Of course, there are two sides to the argument when it comes to the sexual activity of the elderly in nursing homes. Nursing homes are run as a community and the community may have certain laws that have to be followed by all those who live in it. These laws may define the nature and the extent of the relationships that individuals within the community can have with each other. While consenting sexual relationships may be seen as acceptable by society at large, the board which controls the nursing home may not consider all such relationships to be kosher.

Particularly, in cases where they develop between the individuals working as caregivers and those who are residents of the community.Even in situations where the sexual relationship is between two residents of the same community, there could be legal issues involved which may come about as a result of the health conditions of one partner. For example, if one of the partners has lost or has a diminished capacity to make reasonable judgments, the relationship may not be considered to be founded on consent.

These issues give a solid foundation towards denying sexual relationships between the elderly who are placed in nursing homes.However, it must be noted that our society is founded on the principles of freedom and allowing people to do what they want as long as they stay within the bounds of the law. Having a consenting relationship is largely considered to be legal therefore there should be no reason why the elderly should be dined the same freedoms which their counterparts outside the nursing homes enjoy.

It is often the agenda of nursing homes to provided a full, fun and participating life experience for the golden years of the elderly therefore they should be permitted to have sexual relationships if they so desire. Further, sex is healthy since it improves the mental abilities of the elderly and prevents them from falling into a cycle of depression. It gives them the understanding that even if they are old, they have not lost their life or their life goals. In essence, since our society believes in freedom, the same should be extended to our senior citizens but the laws concerning consent and the ability to make rational choices which are applicable to other people should also be applied to those who are in nursing homes.