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Biopsychosocial Assessment and Treatment of Sexual Problems in Older Age

  • Integrating the Psychosocial (B McCarthy, RT Segraves and AH Clayton, Section Editors)
  • Published:
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Abstract

Treating the sexual problems of older adults begins with education of the healthcare practitioner (HCP) and sex therapist. For older adults, emphasis on what does not work sexually must be balanced with a curiosity about “what does”—the resiliencies and capabilities of the individual and couple in a broader context than that based solely on “sexual performance.” This article summarizes assessment and therapeutic interventions emphasizing pleasure and satisfaction as well as functionality within a biopsychosocial framework. Using an algorithm designed specifically for older adults with sexual concerns, several sexual problems accompanying chronic illness will be highlighted. Areas for further research are discussed.

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Acknowledgments

The author is grateful to Brad Waters, MSW for editorial and content assistance and to Melinda Abernethy, MD for content assistance. The author received no remuneration of any kind for the development of this manuscript.

Compliance with Ethics Guidelines

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Conflict of Interest

Sallie Foley declares a financial relationship with Guilford Press, publisher of a book she co-authored, Sex Matters for Women: A complete guide to taking care of your sexual self.

Human and Animal Rights and Informed Consent

This article does not contain any studies with human or animal subjects performed by the author.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. University of Michigan School of Social Work, 1080 S. University, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-1106, USA

    Sallie Foley

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  1. Sallie Foley
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Correspondence to Sallie Foley.

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This article is part of the Topical Collection on Integrating the Psychosocial

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Foley, S. Biopsychosocial Assessment and Treatment of Sexual Problems in Older Age. Curr Sex Health Rep 7, 80–88 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11930-015-0047-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11930-015-0047-9

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