Ageing and Sexual Health - Assignment Example

Ageing and Sexual Health Senior sexuality is an issue that the public feels uncomfortable addressing. As a result, there isa lack of awareness about the issue. A majority of members of the public believes that senior citizens should not have an active sex life because of the potential health and injury risks. However, studies have proved that a satisfying sexual life helps senior citizens such as June Carter to have a fulfilling and meaningful life. For women at this age, sexual dysfunction often gets in the way of their sex life. Fortunately, it is possible to diagnose and treat most of the causes of sexual dysfunction such as vaginal dryness. In addition, there are many medical interventions to choose. An analysis of June Carter’s case provides useful insights into the legal and policy framework regarding senior sexuality. In addition, it provides an opportunity to compare how senior citizens are perceived in Australia and the rest of the world. Ageing and Sexual Health Ageing and sexual health issues are rarely discussed in the social domain. However, there is an urgent need for increased public awareness over the issue as demographic changes lead to a more ageing population. An analysis of the issue would involve addressing the impact of social determinants on Australia’s ageing population. In addition, it would include a comparison of the legal and policy frameworks of the Australian society and the international trends. It is necessary to evaluate the impact of policies on ageing in the country with the aim of determining if they enhance the health of the ageing community. It is also crucial to consider additional steps should be created to attain a society that not only values every member of the community but also creates an enabling environment for everyone to lead a fulfilling life. The influence of social determinants of health According to the Government of South Australia (2012), social determinants such as income levels and housing play a significant role in the health of any person. As a result, an evaluation of the relationship between ageing, chronic diseases and senior sexuality must involve an evaluation of those factors. Firstly, Australia is made up of a diverse population. There is the Aboriginal community, the white community and other minority groups. However, the ageing population among all those groups is affected by similar health concerns. Social support is very important as the ageing population deals with chronic diseases. June Carter is lucky to have children who are concerned about her health. As a result, she is more likely to return to optimum health levels more quickly than a woman with a similar condition who lacks family support. In addition, it is important to have a healthy sexual life because the intimacy leads to a stronger relationship with the other partner. At this stage of life, the rest of the family may be focused on earning a living, raising their own children and their own social lives that their ageing parents may feel lonely or forsaken. Senior citizens receive little income. The quality of their life depends on the life savings and the government pension that they may be receiving. Senior citizens who lack the support of their family may have a poor quality of life. In addition, they will be unable to deal with chronic diseases effectively due to the high cost of medical care. However, senior citizens such as June Carter will benefit immensely from the presence of a loving and supportive family that is willing and able to provide financial support. The quality of housing plays a significant role in their ability to cope with chronic illnesses. Poor senior citizens may live in housing areas that inhibit their ability to have good health. For example, a house without heat or the correct ventilation may expose them to chronic health problems. Individuals who live in such environments may also have other diseases that may undermine their ability to have a meaningful sexual life. Those who live in nursing homes and other centers for the elderly have the fortune of being under the constant care of professionals. However, their ability to have an active sexual life may be limited in such an environment. Societal structures are crucial determinants of health. Senior citizens need to have a sense of belonging. The hectic life schedules of most people in Australia may undermine their ability to be there for their elderly parents and relatives. As a result, they may feel lonely and forgotten. Having this state of mind undermines the quality of their health. The presence of someone to love gives human beings the strength to fight ill health. Fortunately, June Carter has children and grandchildren that she can lean on. They give her a purpose to seek optimal health. Moreover, they can take care of her during times when she is not having excellent health. The population of aged people is set to rise in the near future, especially in the western society (Australian Treasury, 2014). The Australian society is often criticized for neglecting the needs of the ageing people in society. The observation is worrying considering the fact that every person is expected to age. Instead of having a dismissive approach towards the needs of the ageing population, the society should take a proactive approach to their needs. A strong society is one in which every member is made to feel loved and welcomed regardless of their age. Having an understanding social support structure will play a significant role in her ability to recover from sexual dysfunction. Sexuality is closely linked with how individuals feel about themselves (Sociology, 2013). As a result, being surrounded by people who care and love plays a significant role in enabling the patient to return to optimal health. A typical response to her situation would have been a sense of bewilderment over the fact that an eighty-five year old woman had an active sexual life. Instead, the response in this case demonstrated love and concern, a factor that will play a key role in helping her to feel good about herself and to return to optimal sexual health levels promptly. The public needs to appreciate the importance of sex among the aging people. Realizing this objective will enable them to demonstrate care and understanding for elderly individuals in the society. Firstly, it provides an opportunity to exercise self-will. Secondly, women at this age have the ability to engage in sex without the burden of being afraid of getting pregnant. As a result, they are able to have a more satisfying sexual experience. In addition, the risk of exposure to sexual infections is very low because senior citizens do not have multiple sexual partners. Thirdly, sexuality provides a source of purpose and meaning to senior citizens through the intimacy that it provide. An active sexual life is not only good for their general wellbeing but also plays a significant role in giving them a sense of purpose (Mayo Clinic, 2014). The quality of human life is heavily dependent on the availability of a sense of meaning and purpose. Fourthly, sex plays a significant role in the happiness of senior citizens. Studies have revealed that the happiest senior citizens are those who have a healthy sexual life (Senior Journal, 2014). As a result, treating the sexual dysfunction that June Carter is experiencing is very important in helping her to having a fulfilling life as a senior citizen. Moreover, she is clearly very concerned about her sexual health. Treating the condition will help to ease her concern and help her to have peace of mind. Rural communities have a strong sense of family and closeness. As a result, individuals look out for one another. Ageing people in this communities experience a lot of support. The characteristic leads to good health. However, their conservative nature would make discussing sexual issues such as the vaginal dryness that June Carter is experiencing difficult. In contrast, discussing the issue with family members in an urban setting would be more easily. Unfortunately, urban areas are characterized by a focus on self that tends to ignore the needs of some members of the community. The ease of transport plays a significant role in determining the health levels of not only the ageing members of society but also of every member of society. Individuals such as June Carter need a good transport system to move around their communities in a seamless manner. In addition, they need to access healthcare services at as soon as possible when they need medical attention. The elderly face many medical challenges due to their weakened immune system. As a result, they need quality medical care. Fortunately, the Australian society has an efficient transport system that facilitates the movement of all members in society. As a result, June Carter has an opportunity to receive the medical care that she needs. June Carter is fortunate that the social determinants of health are in her favor. First, she has a supportive family. Secondly, she can be able to afford to visit a GP and pay for any medical treatment. A majority of the ageing Australian population, especially from the Aboriginal community may not be as lucky. The Australian government needs to develop effective policies of dealing with the ageing population. The combination of low birth rates due to the preference for small families and increased lifespan of the Australian population increases the population of senior citizens (Australian Treasury, 2014). In addition, it must plan for increased healthcare costs as the demand for ageing care grows. Australia’s legal and Policy Framework Although there is no specific statue against discrimination based on age, respect and care for the elderly is an important part of the human rights that have been embraced by the international community (Betts, 2014). The western society has embraced the practice of putting their ageing family members into homes for the elderly, a practice that is widely regarded as abandonment in societies with strong social and communal ties such as Africa. However, there is a general appreciation that doing so may be in the best interest of everyone as children are forced to juggle a hectic social and professional life. In addition, the United Nations Principles for Older people have been passed and the Australian government has committed itself to respecting them. The principles include self-fulfillment, care, dignity, participation and the right to be independent. Australia has a rapidly ageing population, a phenomenon that is being experienced throughout the rest of Europe (Australian Treasury, 2014). The demographic shift is set to place a heavy burden on a society that will experience reduced productivity due to a reduction in the number of people who will be working. However, it is important for the Australian government and society to address the issue without looking at this demographic group as a burden (Betts, 2014). June Carter’s active sexual life should not be surprising. The observation is in tandem with international trends as the ageing community takes more responsibility for their well-being and happiness. The increase in the ageing population in western society has been accompanied by a realization that life does not need to slow down simply because someone is old. Instead, each individual has a responsibility to ensure that they cater for their needs. Furthermore, the ageing members of society are more confident and assertive as compared to the past. The high confidence levels enabled June Carter to confide in her family, a move that would not have happened if she were not confident about herself. However, the Age Discrimination Act 2004 is broad and thus makes it difficult to enforce it. In addition, the legislative action that has been taken in the country does not address the issue of systematic discrimination. In addition, it does not promote substantial equality between the ageing members of society and its other members. In addition, the Australian Human Rights Commission has identified that discrimination due to age is one of the leading barriers that makes it difficult for mature age workers to participate in productive activities. Furthermore, they have learnt that the planning of public facilities, accessibility of transport services such as secure bus stops and accessible buses and the location of important services do not take into consideration the needs of older people. The Australian government and other western governments appreciate that the ageing community will increase exponentially over the next few years (Betts, 2014). As a result, there is a deliberate attempt to ensure plans are formulated. Firstly, the situation will increase national budget as more people seek to receive their pensions and government subsidies. Secondly, it would affect their competitiveness due to a decrease in the labor pool. One measure that the Australian government and its western counterparts have taken is to push for an increase of the retirement age. However, these measures should also be accompanied by a deliberate attempt to ensure that the public understands the needs of this segment. The Prime Minister and the relevant government authorities should address the issue to increase public awareness about issues affecting them. Some communities in Australia demonstrate a greater understanding of issues facing the ageing members of society more than others. For example, there is little knowledge about the issues facing the ageing members of their community. However, this lack of knowledge is addressed greater sense of family as compared to urban Australian societies. An analysis of the conditions facing the ageing segment of society reveals a lack of policy interventions on this important segment of society. The manner in which the ageing members of society are treated reveals a lot about that society. Moreover, there is a need for every member of society to demonstrate care and concern for him or her. As a result, the international community needs to address the manner in which ageing members are treated throughout the world. Furthermore, there needs to be a discussion about the best manner in which western countries such as Australia can cope with a rapidly ageing population. Policies and practice frameworks regarding the prevention and management of complex and chronic diseases for the diversity of ageing populations in Australia Ageing people have poor health that makes them vulnerable to chronic illnesses. As a result, the healthcare cost of the demographic is high. The ageing population poses significant challenges for the Australian society. Besides the increased healthcare cost, there are inappropriate means of service delivery. Furthermore, the country faces a challenge with its chronic disease prevention. However, it is important to appreciate that the international community also lacks an appropriate response to the challenges that ageing populations go through. The Australian healthcare is similar to the healthcare systems of the developed world that are focused on the provision of acute care. However, as the ageing population grows in the developing world, they will have to refocus the healthcare system to focus for on the 65+ population. However, according to the Australian Association of Social workers (2013) despite the numerous shortcomings in the legal and policy frameworks, it is evident that Australia is struggling to care for this section of society in an effective, cost-effective and timely manner. Chronic disease management for the ageing population must produce a system that is sufficiently financed. In addition, it should be organized to provide appropriate chronic care for the ageing population as opposed to acute care because they suffer from complications and co-morbidities. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (2012), the ageing population is likely to deal with co-ordination of care and delayed treatment due to transitions between services. The best approach for dealing with this problem is dealing with the fragmentation in the Australian healthcare system. According to Willies, Reynolds & Keleher (2012), the level of engagement between individuals and the healthcare system drastically increases when they have to deal with chronic illnesses. Willis et al (2012) state that although Australia has invested a lot into the provision of quality public health services, it will be unable to meet the rise in demand if it does not increase its investment. The condition requires consistent medical attention. The process often starts with a visit to a GP as June Carter’s case demonstrates. It is then followed by a diagnostic tests, consultations and hospitalization. If the condition reaches a critical level, a surgery may have to be performed. Person centered care has been embraced in Australia as a means of optimizing the ageing experience. It is very important for the elderly to receive personalized care. The chronic illnesses often mean that they have to frequent healthcare providers more often than usual. In addition, they may experience medical conditions that may be perceived as embarrassing by some (Taylor & Gosney, 2011). For example, an elderly woman with vaginal dryness like June Carter may feel embarrassed. It is important to protect the dignity of the ageing population and to ensure that they are made to feel respected. As a result, the provision of personalized care must be an integral component of healthcare provision for the ageing Australian population. Active ageing refers to the process of increasing the opportunities for health, participation and security to improve the quality of life as people age. It enables people to live a meaningful and fulfilling life throughout their entire life. The Australian government appreciates the role that it plays and supports efforts aimed at helping them to have a meaningful and fulfilling life. A significant step taken by the Australian government is the low cost of healthcare in the country. The move is significant because other western societies such as the United States of America are grappling with high healthcare costs. The ageing members of society face many medical challenges. As a result, they require a lot of medical attention and drugs. This will place a heavy financial burden on them and their families in the absence of government subsidies. Although the policies that have been implemented in the Australian society play are a step in the right direction, there needs to be more efforts on the matter. The ageing community should have an opportunity to access healthcare services as easily as possible. As a result, there should be more investment in the hiring of nurses and General Practioners to cater for the ageing people. Conclusion An evaluation of the June Carter case provides an opportunity to explore the issue of senior sexuality. It is evident that the practice is not only good for the health of senior citizens but also plays a key role in enabling them to have a happy and fulfilling life. Although sex at this age is very satisfying, women experience many challenges in their sexual life. As a result, it is important for their families and doctors to give the necessary support. In addition, the practice should be encouraged. References Australian Association of Social Workers. (2013). Ageing in Australia. Retrieved from. http://www.aasw.asn.au/document/item/4356 Australia Treasury. Australia’s Demographic Challenges. (2014). Retrieved from http://demographics.treasury.gov.au/content/_download/australias_demographic_challenges/html/adc-04.asp Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. (2012). Australias health 2012: The thirteenth biennial health report of the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. Canberra: The Institute. Betts, K. (2014). Australias ageing population need not be a burden on taxpayers. Retrieved from http://www.theage.com.au/comment/australias-ageing-population-need-not-be-a-burden-on-taxpayers-20140526-zro4p.html Government of South Australia. (2012). Action on the Social Determinants of Health: Case Studies from Australia. Retrieved 12 September 2014 from Action on the Social Determinants of Health: Case Studies from Australia. Mayo Clinic. (2014) Sexual health and aging: Keep the passion alive. Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-living/sexual-health/in-depth/sexual-health/art-20046698 Seniorjournal.com. (2014). Sexual Satisfaction for Older Women Increases with Age into 80s. Retrieved from http://seniorjournal.com/NEWS/Sex/2012/20120103-SexualSatisfaction.htm  Sociology.com. (2013). Sex and the Senior Citizen. Retrieved from http://www.sociology.com/2013/02/sex-senior-citizen/ Taylor, A & Gosney, M. (2011). Sexuality in older age: essential considerations for healthcare professionals. Retrieved from http://ageing.oxfordjournals.org/content/early/2011/07/19/ageing.afr049.full Willis, E., Reynolds, L. E., & Keleher, H. (2012). Understanding the Australian health care system. Chatswood, N.S.W: Churchill Livingstone. Read More