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Emergent Issues in Sexuality and Aging

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Sexuality and Aging

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Abstract

The field of sexuality and aging is still in its relative infancy. Emergent issues include the role of the Internet and social media, dating and divorce among aging adults, and sexuality at the end of life. The number of older adults who identify themselves as active Internet users has recently doubled, with more than 17 million users over the age of 65 spending at least 48 h a month online. The relative anonymity of the Internet offers older adults unique access to sexual health information, lubricants and sex toys, erotica and pornography, and social networking including online dating. Curiosity about potentially embarrassing or stigmatizing sexual topics can be explored in virtual anonymity, although potential problems with Internet use include misinterpretation of health information (older adults in the US possess only basic or below basic levels of health literacy, on average) and participation in illicit sexual activity. The Internet can provide outlets for companionship and dating for adults who have challenges with their physical mobility or for those who may be socially or geographically isolated (e.g., an LGBT elder in a rural community). However, anecdotal reports of online dating scams also abound. With increased rates of divorce, cohabitation, and multiple marriages among middle-aged and older adults, issues with couples often include the division of resources and allegiances to adult children from previous relationships. Another emergent area is that of sexuality at the end of life. Even though research indicates that sexuality is important to patients in both palliative and hospice care, and that they expect their health care providers to broach the subject first. Normalizing the subject becomes essential, and practical recommendations are offered for work with clients at the end of life who wish to engage in sexual activity, either alone or with a partner.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Psychology Department, Pennsylvania State University Berks College, Reading, PA, USA

    Jennifer Hillman

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Hillman, J. (2012). Emergent Issues in Sexuality and Aging. In: Sexuality and Aging. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-3399-6_10

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