Counseling about sexuality in the older person.
The clinician's challenge is to help older individuals develop and sustain the intimate relationship that they desire. This involves active assessment and teaching on how to improve and continue their sexual health by actively reviewing health concerns and conditions that affect sexual functioning and libido. Older adults should be given information, education, and concrete direction to assist them in creating and sustaining intimate relationships. Older adults are increasingly vigorous with fairly good health and desire information and support to help them maintain their activity and sexuality. Health care providers should assist older adults in being sexually creative and understanding that there is more to a satisfying relationship than the purely genital approach. The refining of a more loving relationship includes encouragement of intimacy, sensualness, companionship, and friendship, as well as continued knowledge and understanding about the effects that one's health conditions, medications, and treatment have on sexuality and functioning.
Szwabo & Associates, Specialists in Mental Health and Aging, Department of Psychiatry, Division of Geriatric Psychiatry, Saint Louis University Medical School, St. Louis, MO, USA. szwabop@aol.com
Peggy A
PA
Szwabo
D000368:Aged; D003376:Counseling; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D019529:Sexuality