Sexuality, Sexual Health And Ageing

by Gott, Merryn

• ISBN13: 9780335210183
• ISBN10: 033521018X
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2004-12-01
• Publisher: Open University Press

Summary

What factors underpin dominant understandings of later life sexuality? How do older people experience and prioritise sexuality and sexual health? What sexual health issues are relevant to older people and how are these addressed by health care professionals? This is the first book to integrate theoretical insights into sexuality, sexual health and ageing, with research findings from studies conducted with older people and the professionals that work with them. The book is split into three sections. In the first section stereotypes that typify contemporary understandings of sexuality and ageing are explored, particularly the 'myth of asexual old age' and the more recent stereotype of the 'sexy oldie'. Section two identifies what we actually know about ageing and sexuality by reviewing current literature, as well as presenting findings from one of the first qualitative studies to explore sexuality from the perspective of older people themselves. The final section of the book explores what 'sexual health' means within the context of ageing and focuses on issues relevant to health professionals working with older people. Sexuality, Sexual Health and Ageing provides key reading for students, researchers, practitioners and policymakers working within gerontology, sociology, psychology, social work, health sciences, nursing and medicine. This book is likely to become essential reading for all academics and professionals working with older people or in the area of sexual health.

Table of Contents

Series editor's preface	vii
Acknowledgements	ix
Introduction	1	(4)
Part I: Exploring contemporary understandings of sexuality and ageing	5	(38)
1 Why are sexuality and old age incompatible? Unpicking the myth of the 'asexual old age'	7	(16)
2 The 'sexy oldie'. The creation of new myths about sexuality and ageing	23	(20)
Part II: Focusing upon older people's experiences of sexuality and ageing	43	(50)
3 What do we 'know' about sexuality and ageing? A new look at the literature	45	(17)
4 How important is sex to older people?	62	(15)
5 Diversity and later life sexuality	77	(16)
Part III: Sexual health, sexual problems and ageing	93	(58)
6 Sexual risk-taking and sexually transmitted infections in later life	95	(15)
7 Sexual 'dysfunctions' and ageing	110	(18)
8 Health professionals' views on later life sexuality and sexual health	128	(20)
9 Conclusion	148	(3)
References	151	(16)
Index	167