Type of Presentation
Workshop
Location
Room 1909
Start Date
10-12-2018 3:00 PM
End Date
10-12-2018 3:50 PM
Abstract
Aging in a youth-valuing society, presents many issues that potentially compromise the health and well-being of older adults. Although evidence has suggested substantial increases in the proportion of aging families in America, certain resources continue to be reserved for younger cohorts. Sex education has been incorporated into some curricula through public education systems, leaving older adults absent from exposure to this knowledge. Disproportionate access to sex education resources puts older adults at risk for health compromising factors. In 2016, there were 338 reported cases of STI’s/STD’s among 60-85+ year olds in Georgia. Evidence has shown that people are living longer and entering later life with better resources and for some this means exploring their sexuality after widowhood, separation, and divorce. Broaching these conversations addresses the stigma associated with sex and intimacy in later life and begins to confront issues pertaining to ageism.
This presentation will provide an overview on America’s changing demographic composition as it relates to sexual health among older adults. Resources that can be utilized by professionals working with aging populations will be shared. Long term goals resulting from this type of educational outreach include a reduction in STI/STD rates, enhanced sense of empowerment and ability to self-advocate, and increases in positive well-being. A variety of topics will be discussed and an interactive component will be implemented. By continuing to not talk about sex education for older adults only perpetuates the stigma surrounding sexuality in later life as well as ageist mentalities.
Let’s Talk about Sex…and Older Adults
Room 1909
Aging in a youth-valuing society, presents many issues that potentially compromise the health and well-being of older adults. Although evidence has suggested substantial increases in the proportion of aging families in America, certain resources continue to be reserved for younger cohorts. Sex education has been incorporated into some curricula through public education systems, leaving older adults absent from exposure to this knowledge. Disproportionate access to sex education resources puts older adults at risk for health compromising factors. In 2016, there were 338 reported cases of STI’s/STD’s among 60-85+ year olds in Georgia. Evidence has shown that people are living longer and entering later life with better resources and for some this means exploring their sexuality after widowhood, separation, and divorce. Broaching these conversations addresses the stigma associated with sex and intimacy in later life and begins to confront issues pertaining to ageism.
This presentation will provide an overview on America’s changing demographic composition as it relates to sexual health among older adults. Resources that can be utilized by professionals working with aging populations will be shared. Long term goals resulting from this type of educational outreach include a reduction in STI/STD rates, enhanced sense of empowerment and ability to self-advocate, and increases in positive well-being. A variety of topics will be discussed and an interactive component will be implemented. By continuing to not talk about sex education for older adults only perpetuates the stigma surrounding sexuality in later life as well as ageist mentalities.
Comments
References
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2013). The state of aging and health in America
2013. Atlanta, GA: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, US Department of
Health and Human Services. Retrieved from
http://www.cdc.gov/features/agingandhealth/State_of_aging_and_health_in_america_2013.pdf
Georgia Department of Public Health, (n.d.). OASIS web query - mortality and morbidity
statistics. Retrieved from https://oasis.state.ga.us/oasis/oasis/qryMorbMort.aspx
Peate, I. (2012). Sexually transmitted infections in older people: The community nurse's role.
British Journal of Community Nursing, 17(3), 112-118.
Syme, M. L. (2014). The evolving concept of older adult sexual behavior and its benefits.
Journal of American Society on Aging, 38(1), 35-41.