It Don't Mean a Thing if You Ain't Got That Swing

With your pharmacy store helper

   and my hormone patch

do you think we could possibly

   make a great match?

(submitted to the 10th International Longevity Light Verse Contest by Jane Moralice of Costa Mesa, FL)

     It's time for health professionals and caregivers to address sexuality in elders who live in the community and long-term care skilled nursing facilities.The Area Agency on Aging in Pasco-Pinellas, Fl,(http://www.agingcarefl.org/aging/normalAging) an area with a large number of seniors, has identified six characteristics besides heredity and genetics that are traits of people in areas with exceptionally long life expectancies. They are:

1. Following a diet low in animal fats and high in vegetables and whole grains
2. Moderate consumption of alcohol
3. Maintaining physical activity throughout life
4. social involvement in the community
5. Having an environment that is challenging and free from pollutants
6. Sexual activity that continues into later years--they are sexually active and free to express themselves in this way.

     According to a training module called Geriatrics, Palliative Care and Interporfessional Teamwork Curriculum, put out by the NY/NJ Veteran's Administration www.nynj.va.gov/docs/Module19.pdf,

elders do not mind discussing sex and in fact, are quite interested in the topic. However, current aging stigma enforces beliefs such as: elders don't want to be sexually active, they have a decreased interest, they are incapable of sexual relations, and it is dysfunctional for seniors to want to have sex.

     That is where our role as professionals comes in. We have to be willing to initiate the conversation. It will benefit the patient/OT relationship by building rapport and trust and help shatter myths about sexuality and aging. There is an increasing elder demographic and life-expectancies are increasing, making sexuality a significant subject for older adults.

     In our treatments, we must be respectful and nonjudgmental, take accurate sexual histories and assessments, ask direct questions, educate patients and caregivers about safe practices and adaptations, listen to patient concerns and be willing to refer them to specialists for assistance if necessary.

     This summer, I found out just how willing elders are to talk about this topic, which seems to be more uncomfortable from the professional side of the coin. I interviewed three elders of various ages and always asked their opinions of sex. One lady, who is 96, said she thinks sex is one of the most natural things in a person's life. She remained sexually active well into her 80s, when her husband's health declined. She assured me she always had a very active sex life. Afterall, she said, her husband was French and "you know how they are with lovemaking."

     Also, my mother and her friends, who are all widows, continue to talk and joke about sex. None are currently active, but one 84 year old joked that when she goes to the nursing home she will ride around in her wheelchair and interview the prospects.

     Following is a link to a Youtube video that challenges aging sexuality stigmas and encourages members of the Allied Health Professions to talk about the elderly and sexual behaviors. Because of restrictions, you must follow the link to youtube to view it. Please do. It will be worth your time.

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