Aging and Women’s Sexuality Essay

The World Health Organization regards sexual health as a state of physical, mental, emotional and social well-being related to sexuality (Woloski-Wruble et al., 2010). It is not limited to the absence of disease, infirmity dysfunction or the mere presence of sexual intercourse activity. These factors are a reflection of a successful aging model that incorporates physical well being reflected by a low susceptibility to disease. It also includes social and emotional well-being associated with active engagement with life and mental well being exhibited by a high capacity for physical and cognitive function.

Sexuality is an essential component of health at all developmental ages and an important aspect of life satisfaction (Kalra, Subramanyam, & Pinto, 2011).Aging and Women’s Sexuality Essay.  The factors that influence the sexuality of women in their middle and old age are socio-cultural, feminine, medical, political, economic factors (Birkhauser, 2009) and international factors. Other influencing factors include social representations of sexuality, physiological conditions, and relationship factors (Ringa, Diter, Laborde, & Bajos, 2013).

Cultural practices play a critical role in determining sexuality (Shea, 2011). In China, some clinical educators view sexual activities in middle and old age a taboo. Other health professionals view women’s feudal attitudes as the main obstacle to sexual liberation. The change in women’s social status due to higher education, participation in the labor force and increased use of contraception has intensified sexual activity. These activities within the social environment largely affect the women’s responses to their aging process. Other contributing factors include improvement of living standards and life expectancy (Ringa, Diter, Laborde, & Bajos, 2013).

Health is another key factor affecting sexuality in middle and aged women (Birkhauser, 2009). Cardiovascular disease in postmenopausal women affects their physical, social and general well being. This leads to deterioration of quality of life and adds on the negative effects of menopause (Birkhauser, 2009). Access to health is determined by the financial ability of the women and enabling political framework.

Contrary to popular belief, the menopausal status is not a risk factor in sexual dysfunction. In some instances, it led to low sexual desire. Several studies have shown that women past the age of 50 are still sexually active (Ringa, Diter, Laborde, & Bajos, 2013). This essay aims to evaluate the various factors that affect sexuality in older women.

ORDER A PLAGIARISM-FREE PAPER NOW

Background

The world’s aging population is increasing, as the current life expectancy is increasing. The life expectancy of women in Israel estimated at 82 years (Woloski-Wruble et al., 2010). About a third of women’s life is lived after cessation of menstruation. China constitutes the world’s largest middle-aged and elderly population. Approximately one-fifth of the world’s elderly population and a quarter of the middle-aged population live in China. In 2010, 381.6 million people were between the ages of 40 and 59 while an estimate of 170.9 people was above 60 years of age (Shea, 2011).

Demographic studies project a rapid increase in these proportions over the next several decades. By 2050, it is expected that 35.4% of the population in China will be above 60 years of age (Shea, 2011). Aging and Women’s Sexuality Essay. As such, understanding the needs, desires and capabilities of this group is of paramount importance.

As of now, very few studies have focused on sexuality in the elderly and the existing literature contains contradictory information. For instance, some studies indicate that hormonal determinants have no effect on the sexual drive while others show a correlation between hormonal changes and sexual activity. Hence, further studies would greatly help in ascertaining assertions that sexual life is an important determinant of satisfaction in life (Shea, 2011).

Cultural Factors

Certain cultural norms are the cause of negative attitudes towards sexuality in older people. In some Western cultures, men are considered ready for sexual activity at a younger age than women (Woloski-Wruble et al., 2010). They also claim that women become asexual with age. However, women have in the recent time challenged this view and regarded sex as extremely important (Woloski-Wruble et al., 2010). Research has focused on the sexual dysfunction that is likely to occur after menopausal transition rather than the normal spectrum of normal activities due to the changes arising from hormonal changes. However, it is worth to note that menopause does not necessarily result in sexopause.

The belief that sexual activity decreased with age was held since sexuality was limited to intercourse. In recent years, sexuality has been broadened to mean any sexual arousing activity (Woloski-Wruble et al., 2010). Using this broader definition, studies have shown that women remain sexually active even in old age. An intimate relationship is one factor influencing sexuality in older women. Being able to address their expectations would enhance life satisfaction.

The Chinese culture is marked by three traditions; Confucianism, Buddhism and Daoism (Shea, 2011). The Confucian tradition advocated for sex for a married couple and only for the purpose of reproduction. Otherwise, it regarded other sexual activities as unrespectful and undignified. Buddhist taught that in order to enjoy perfect peace, one had to give up worldly pleasures and desires. As such, sexual activity beyond the purpose of reproduction was viewed as distracting one from their improvement. Daoist on the other hand regard sex as harmful and self-defeating as it makes men lose their semen (Shea, 2011).

A study conducted in China showed that a third of the studied population was of the opinion that sex later in life was unhealthy or abnormal. It also showed a correlation between the women’s attitude and the sexual activity. The women who viewed sex as normal were more likely to engage in sexual activities. Further, the women with positive attitudes led healthy relationships with their spouses.  Aging and Women’s Sexuality Essay.The study also suggested that the household composition such as the number of family members and number of generations contributed to the sexual activity later in life (Shea, 2011).

Social Factors

Women from different regions view menopause differently(Birkhauser, 2009). In the Muslim culture, menstruation is regarded as impurity. Hence, menopausal women gain a higher social status. It is therefore regarded as a happy event that calls for a celebration. In some cases, this is not the case, and hormonal therapy is considered in order to improve patient outcomes. Hormonal therapy provides symptomatic relief and restores sexual activity (Birkhauser, 2009).

Hormonal therapy should also be recommended for women with cardiovascular events unless there are associated risks. Some cultures do not allow bleeding and hence alternative medicine is sought to relieve the symptoms while allowing only the desired amenorrhea.The effect of the natural products has not been sufficiently studied (Birkhauser, 2009).

Medical Factors

The state of health influences the level of sexual activity (Birkhauser, 2009). Women who are of an advanced in age and are in poor state of health are less likely to engage in sexual activities. During the management of somatic diseases, clinicians often neglect the implications for sexual life and hence go undiagnosed (Maciel & Lagana, 2014). These problems may cause the patient to be socially withdrawn and result in depression. Cardiovascular diseases are one major cause of reduced activity. Women who suffered from myocardial infarction do not lead a sexually active life (Kalra, Subramanyam, & Pinto, 2011).

Besides cardiac problems, elderly women may suffer from physical disabilities that affect the motor function (DeLamater & Moorman, 2007). This group of patients experience pain and discomfort in sexual activities and are likely to withdraw. In addition, patients may suffer low libido and unwillingness to engage in foreplay (Woloski-Wruble et al., 2010). Aging and Women’s Sexuality Essay.

Feminine Factors

Hormonal changes that occur during the onset of menopause result in vagina dryness and, as a result, affect sexual satisfaction (Lindau, Schumm, & Laumann, 2008). However, several studies in this area found no correlation between menopausal state and sexual activity (Ringa, Diter, Laborde, & Bajos, 2013). Perimenopausal women have increased levels of masturbation suggesting that hormonal changes do not hinder penetrative intercourse. However, some studies have reported that menopausal changes have a negative effect on the sexual life. These inconsistencies could be due to different characteristics of samples used in the different studies(Ringa, Diter, Laborde, & Bajos, 2013).

Political Factors

Older women have few sources of funds to pay for insurance premiums and taxes(WHO, 2007). Inadequate finances may result in delays to seek medical attention following illness. The developing disease compromises the state of health and affects sexual activities. Hence women living regions in which the health policies promote accessibility to health services regardless of the ability to pay enjoy relative health and hence healthy sexual health. It is the duty of each country to develop the best mix of policies in healthcare, income and social services in order to safeguard the well-being and health of older women (WHO, 2007).

Economic Factors

Poverty is a key player in compromising the health of aging women. Worldwide, women have lower participation in the labor force and are often underpaid as compared to men of equal qualifications. Older women receive employment in low-paying and part-time jobs. Insufficient funds limit the ability of old women to access the most basic needs such as healthcare, shelter and food. It is estimated that 70% of the women in the world live below the poverty line of less than US $ 1 a day (WHO, 2007). A large number of these are found in the developing countries. These income inequities compromise the well-being of the elderly women and, as a result, their sexual health is affected.

Conclusion

A satisfactory sexual life is an essential component of good quality of life. However, Sexual activity changes with age and may affect the quality of life.Aging and Women’s Sexuality Essay.  The factors that influence these changes include state of health, socio-cultural values political and economic factors. Different regions practice different traditions that may affect how women in their menopausal age view sexual activities. Some practices limit sexual activity for reproduction purposes while in some cultures sexuality is liberal.

One of the major health factors is cardiovascular events. Myocardial infarction leads to depression and anxiety. These factors affect sexual satisfaction and hence decrease sexual activity. While managing these conditions, it is essential that the healthcare providers engage the patients on sexual health. The level of economic empowerment determines the accessibility of social services such as health. Since older women have fewer financial resources, the right policy mix should be adopted to enhance accessibility to health services and other amenities.

Recommendations

It is of utmost importance to give sexuality issues in the older population priority same as the other vital needs. Therefore, health professionals should formulate interventions aimed at improving sexual health in menopausal women (Taylor & Gosney, 2011). A participatory approach would lead to meaningful interventions, as it would allow the professionals to understand the perception of the different women to sexual satisfaction. It would also ensure that the designed interventions help the women in arriving at successful aging (Shea, 2011).

An analysis shows that the present literature is based on speculation rather than facts. Healthcare professionals should carry out participatory research involving women of different ethnic groups, age, and languages. Development of evidence-based knowledge would aid in understanding the different aspects that constitute sexual satisfaction among older women. It would also help in designing of group-specific interventions aimed at improving the quality of life (Woloski-Wruble et al., 2010).

Reference

Birkhauser, M. (2009). Quality of Life and Sexuality Issues in Aging Women. Climacteric, 52-57.

DeLamater, J., & Moorman, S. (2007). Sexual Behaviour in Later Life. Journal of Aging and Health, doi.10.1177.

Kalra, G., Subramanyam, A., & Pinto, C. (2011). Sexuality: Desire, Activity and Intimacy in the Elderly. Indian Journal of Psychiatry, 300-306.

Lindau, S., Schumm, P., & Laumann, E. (2008). A Study of Sexuality and Health among Older Adults in the United States. New England Journal of Medicine , 762-774.

Maciel, M., & Lagana, L. (2014). Older Women’s Sexual Desire Problems: Biophysichosocial Factors Impacting them and Barriers to Their Clinical Assessment. Journal of Biomedical Research , doi. org/ 10.1155. Aging and Women’s Sexuality Essay.

Ringa, V., Diter, K., Laborde, C., & Bajos, N. (2013). Women’s Sexuality: From Aging to Social Representations. Journal of Sexual Medicine, 2399-2408.

Shea, J. (2011). Older Women, Marital Relationships, and Sexuality in China. Ageing International, 361-377.

Taylor, A., & Gosney, M. (2011). Sexuality in Older Age: Essential Considerations for Healthcare Professionals. Journal of Age and Ageing, 1-6.

WHO. (2007). Women, Ageing, and Health: A Framework for Action. Geneva.

A person’s sexuality was defined by one’s sexual orientation, gender identity, and sexual feelings toward others. Sexuality was expressed by humans and changes throughout the different phases of life (Dhingra et al., 2016). Adults 65 years and above were commonly neglected in the thought about sex and sexuality. Sexual activities does not always include sexual intercourse. According to Kalra, Subramanyam, and Pinto (2011), the elderly generation often viewed sexuality as forms of affection, passion, and loyalty between both partners. Elderly men and women were usually mistaken of not having sexual desires or being unable to perform sexual activities (Kalra et al., 2011). Sex and sexuality helped older men and women form a sense of self-confidence, idenity, and reduces anxiety (Kalra et al., 2011). Although for many elderly people, sex came as a challenge. As people age, physical and mental aspects may have interfered with the act of sex. Treatments were avaiable for older people to increase the enjoyment of sex. Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) were common among the older generation because older people were not knowledgeable about STDs. The knowledge younger adults had about the sexual acts of older people was not commonly talked about in the media. Many people did not think elderly people have the ablilty to perform sexual acts. Although, nursing homes were familiar with the needs of older adults and include policies that allow residents to fulfill sexual desires.

Aging

Aging was the process of growing older which is inevitable. Aging included many changes in the body and mind. As humans age, the thoughts and desires that was incldued with sex were still relevant. The need for sex in late adulthood was equivlent to men and women as young adults. Aging affected many aspects of humans ability to perform sexual activity. In normal aging, sex hormones may have decreased in both men and women (Barron & Pike, 2012). In aging men, the decrease of testosterone was common (Barron & Pike, 2012).Aging and Women’s Sexuality Essay.  After menopause, the ovarian sex hormone, such as pogestorone, decreased quickly in women (Barron & Pike, 2012). Aging also came with many health problems that interfere with participating in sexual activity.

Problems Encountered

As humans age, many health problems may have arisen. Health problems caused the desire for sexual activity to decrease. Health problems in the elderly included psychological problems, physical changes, and dysfunctions in males and females (Taylor & Gosney, 2011). Another problem that would have decreased sexual desires would be a death of a partner (Taylor & Gosney, 2011). Many people did not find the need of partaking in sexual acts when a life partner had passed away.

Both men and women went through physical and psychological changes where simple everyday activities may have been complicated, not to mention participating in sexual activity. An article by Dhingra, Sousa and Sonavane (2016) stated that elderly people who developed arthritis, chronic pain, and many other illnesses and disabilities that interfered with the ability in performing sexual intercourse (Dhingra et al., 2016). A few types of psychological disorders included mood, personality, and psychotic disorders (Dhingra et al., 2016). There were many more types of physical and psychological disorders that occurred in late adulthood that affected sexual activity.

Elderly men were commonly diagnosed with develop erectile dysfunction (ED) with the increase of age. ED was the inability of a man to keep or maintain an erection for sexual intercourse (Rew & Heidelbaugh, 2016). According to Rew and Heidelbaugh (2016), ED affected men as young as 40 years of age. There were 12 million men documented of having ED in the United States (Rew & Heidelbaugh, 2016). The conditions that were common causes of ED are diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and prostate cancer treatments (Rew & Heidelbaugh, 2016). Many different types of medications and substances increased the likelihood of ED. Some examples were the use of alcohol, tobacco, and even marijauana (Rew & Heidelbaugh, 2016). Aging and Women’s Sexuality Essay.

On the other hand, women developed different types of female sexual dysfunctions. Female dysfunctions could have arisen at anytime in older women but women were more common during and after menopause. Female sexual dysfunction may have included the decrease in sexual arousal, anorgasmia, and dyspareunia (Taylor & Gosney, 2011). Urogenital atrophy was a common female dysfunction that commonly arisen after a woman reaches menopause. Urogenital atrophy was associated with the symptoms of vaginal itching, dryness, and pain (Taylor & Gosney, 2011). Female dysfunctions lead to emotional distress, low self-esteem, and poor body image (Taylor & Gosney, 2011).

Treatments

Many older adults were commonly embarrassed by a sexual dysfunction and did not communicate with a doctor for treatment (Taylor & Gosney, 2011). There were many different treatments and medicines for men and women in late adulthood that increased the enjoyment of sexual activity. Depending on the women and the type of dysfunction, there were different

types of treatments to make sexual activity more enjoyable. Women may have taken medications perscibed by a doctor, tried vibrators and lubricants, or looked into many different types of therapies to enhance sex life (Taylor & Gosney, 2011). For men, the main treatment for ED included medications, such as viagra. Penile injections and vacuum devices were also considered to treat ED (Taylor & Gosney, 2011). In late adulthood, romantic partners did not have to have sexual intercourse to show affection. Affection was also shown by hugging, kissing, and holding hands with a significant other if physical and psychological problems got in the way of sexual activity.

Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Young adults were more informed about STDs than the older population. Similar to younger adults, sexually active elderly people were just as susceptible of getting an STD. In today’s world, older adults did not grow up with the information about how to prevent STDs or the basic sex education as younger generations (Dhingra et al., 2016). Older adults did not know when to contact a doctor because of an STD. Aging and Women’s Sexuality Essay. Many STDs did not have early symptoms, therefore, elderly people did not know of an STD which may have lead to serious damage to the body (Dhingra et al., 2016). Symptoms of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) caused symptoms of weakness, fatigue, and memory loss (Dhingra et al., 2016). Doctors commonly misdiagnosed symptoms of HIV for symptoms of aging (Dhingra et al., 2016).

Sexuality in Nursing Homes

Many older people were living in nursing homes all around the United States. People moved into nursing homes for assisted care that is not provided otherwise. Many of the elderly in nursing homes had urges for sexual activity. The government had set a law for nursing homes to allow privacy for residents and to let sexuality be expressed freely (Gugliucci & Weaver, 2012). “Gray rape” was a term commonly used in nursing homes that referred to the act of sex between two people but both people were unsure of who consented (Gugliucci & Weaver, 2012). Nursing home residents had many psychological disabilities such as dementia. According to Gugliucci and Weaver (2012), about 50 percent of nursing home residents had dementia to an extent. Dementia caused people to lose memory or be unaware of any actions made (Gugliucci & Weaver, 2012). The need for intimacy by nursing home residents was a common aspect that many people did not talk about in society. Nursing homes or care units had trained staff that supports all the needs of residents.

Religion

Religion was a major part in many people’s lives. Many people believed that older adults view religious norms in a way that enhanced sexual expressions (Iveniuk & O’Muircheartaigh, 2016). According to McFarland, Uecker, and Regnerus (2011), religion became more important to people as age increases. In many situations, elderly people focused on religion to help cope with health related illnesses (McFarland et al., 2011). People may have also turned to religion when thinking about sexual behavior. In many religions, young adults believed to save sexual activities for marriage (McFarland et al., 2011). In a long marriage, both the man and woman should keep expressing affection towards each other in any way possible if not by sexual intercourse. Aging and Women’s Sexuality Essay.

Media Influence

The media, in general, was a major platform for thoughts and emotions to be expressed. The media failed to mention or portrayed sexuality in late adulthood as a negative action (Dhingra et al., 2016). According to Dhingra et al. (2016) younger women viewed older men as sexually attractive. The sexuality of older adults was not portrayed in the media. An Inidan study concluded that people viewed sex as a act only for reproduction and was viewed as wrong for older adults to partake in (Dhingra et al., 2016). With the absence of sexuality in older adults in the media, many people seemed to automatically view sexual activities as negative actions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the desire for sexual activities did not decrease as age increases. Although the act of sex may have decreased as people get older. Many older people may not have had the ability to participate in sexual intercourse, therefore, older people used other acts of affection toward partners. As humans age, mental and physical health interfered with participating in sexual activities. Elderly people developed several types of diseases, illnesses, and STDs. Both men and women experienced sexual dysfunctions. Men may have developed erectile dysfunction while women experienced uncomfort in the vaginal area that decreased the desire for sexual intercourse. While sexual dysfunctions arisen in older adults, there were treatments that could possibly enhance the need for sex. Men and women were percribed medication or seeked therapy to solve problems that interfered with sex life. Many religions had an impact sexuality in late adulthood. Although older adults had the desire for sexual activity, people did not express feelings toward elderly sexual needs in the media. Nursing homes were trained on how to take cause of residents that had sexual desires. Overall, sexual desires were still common in late adulthood but could have been prevented by health problems that were caused from increasing age.

References

• Barron, A. M., & Pike, C. J. (2012). Sex hormones, aging, and Alzheimer’s disease. Frontiers in bioscience (Elite edition), 4, 976–997.
• Dhingra, I., Sousa, A. D., & Sonavane, S. (2016). Sexuality in older adults: Clinical and psychosocial dilemmas. Journal of Geriatric Mental Health, (2), 131. doi: 10.4103/2348-9995.195629
• Gugliucci, M. R., & Weaver, S. A. (2012). Defining moments: Sexuality and care of older adults. Retrieved from https://www.aginglifecarejournal.org/defining-moments-sexuality-and-ca re-of-older-adults/
• Iveniuk, J., O’Muircheartaigh, C. (2016). Religious influence on older americans’ sexual lives: A nationally-representative profile. Archives of sexual behavior, 45(1), 121–131. doi:10.1007/s10508-015-0534-0
• Kalra, G., Subramanyam, A., & Pinto, C. (2011). Sexuality: Desire, activity and intimacy in the elderly. Indian journal of psychiatry, 53(4), 300–306. doi:10.4103/0019-5545.91902
• McFarland, M. J., Uecker, J. E., & Regnerus, M. D. (2011). The role of religion in shaping sexual frequency and satisfaction: Evidence from married and unmarried older adults. Journal of sex research, 48(2-3), 297–308.  Aging and Women’s Sexuality Essay.doi:10.1080/00224491003739993
• Rew, K. T., & Heidelbaugh, J. J. (2016). Erectile dysfunction. Am Fam Physician, 94(10), 820-827.
• Taylor, A., Gosney M. A. (2011) Sexuality in older age: essential considerations for healthcare professionals. Age and Ageing, 40(5), 538–543. doi: 10.1093/ageing/afr049