In the modern – day world, widely accepted assumptions about intimacy and sexuality in later life are being challenged. The authors provide profound research arguing that that the desire for closeness and sex can endure for a lifetime. Considering the limitations of research on sexual activity of older adults, health care professionals cannot adequately identify and satisfy the needs of older adults related to their sexual interests. However, despite existing lack of knowledge on sexual needs of older adults, nurses can help them to attain the desired level of intimacy and sexual expression.
The authors argue that although sexual expression of older adults usually is viewed as “problem” behavior, the right to sexuality exists throughout the life span and should be supported by the health care professionals. To provide nurses with adequate information on sexual health of older adults, as well as tools to gratify the needs derived from sexual expressions, the authors conducted research regarding older adults’ attitudes towards sexuality and intimacy. To major goal of research was to delineate necessary nursing assessment and educational interventions, which allow supporting healthy sexuality among older adults. Thus, for instance, support of sexuality within health setting should begin with an assessment of sexual history on admission so that health care professional could offer adequate level of privacy.
References
Rheaume, C., Mitty, E. (2008). Sexuality and Intimacy in Older Adults. Geriatric Nursing
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