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Sexual Activity and Mental Health Benefits in Older Adults

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Sexual Behaviour and Health in Older Adults

Part of the book series: Practical Issues in Geriatrics ((PIG))

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Abstract

Sexuality and sexual activity are essential for the quality of life and mental health in older adults. Contrary to many common misconceptions and stereotypes, the majority of older adults still engage in intimate relationships and sexual activities in older age and appraise these parts of their lives as important. Although frequency and diversity of sexual activities may change and are generally less frequent than in younger and middle age adults, sexual activity still has a myriad of benefits for mental health and contributes greatly to the overall life satisfaction, quality of life, and well-being in older adults. Some studies have indicated that sexual activity may reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety as well as alleviate psychological stress in older adults. Healthcare practitioners, especially those working in mental health, within the field of gerontology and geriatrics should be educated on issues concerning sexuality and its importance for the health and well-being of older adults. This chapter outlines the influence of social and iatrogenic aspects on sexuality and mental health in older adults and provides an outline of possible issues in communication with older adults regarding sexual activity and sexuality for healthcare practitioners.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Center for Public Health, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria

    Tobias Schiffler & Igor Grabovac

  2. Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria

    Hanna M. Mües

Authors
  1. Tobias Schiffler
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  2. Hanna M. Mües
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  3. Igor Grabovac
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Correspondence to Igor Grabovac .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Center for Health Performance and Wellbeing, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge, UK

    Lee Smith

  2. Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Centre for Public Health, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria

    Igor Grabovac

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Schiffler, T., Mües, H.M., Grabovac, I. (2023). Sexual Activity and Mental Health Benefits in Older Adults. In: Smith, L., Grabovac, I. (eds) Sexual Behaviour and Health in Older Adults. Practical Issues in Geriatrics. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-21029-7_4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-21029-7_4

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