Sexuality of Midlife and Senior Individuals
Because of the shift in population demographics and the aging babyboomers, increasing number of studies are being conducted on the sexuality of midlife and senior individuals. Many of the studies being researched show that men and women confront physical and psychological challenges in their 50s, such as menopause for women and midlife crisis for men. However, those who are able to work through these either by themselves or with professional help continue to have healthy sexual lives. It is only in recently that "mature sexuality" is beginning to surface as a public issue that healthcare professionals are facing with growing numbers of patients. American society's views toward sexuality and patterns of sexual behavior are undergoing major changes and interest in sexual behavior is increasingly about the older generations as well as young (Lacy 22). The availability of new pharmaceuticals to help problems associated with sexuality and aging are also enhancing the older Americans' enjoyment of active sex life far longer than was previously thought or even considered appropriate by earlier generations. Ageism still clouds the information regarding sexuality and older individuals. Misconceptions of this kind generate irrational
Not only are these individuals accepting more responsibilities each year, but their physical body is not able to handle the stress as it could when you they were younger. Saucier (420) notes that presently the ideal female body, exemplified by models,actresses, and Miss America contestants, represents the thinnest 5 percent of women Therefore, the remaining 95 percent do not measure up to the standards of physical attractiveness they see on a daily basis. Similarly, older men experience andropause (Lamberts, van den Beld, and van der Lely) or an androgen decline (Morales, Heaton, and Carson, 2000), a gradual decrease in the production of testosterone as early as age 40. Societal expectations, especially for women, are a major influence. Males tend to seek support indirectly, and often from their women partners, instead of male friends. Penile erections occur more slowly and the period following orgasm during which the male cannot be sexually aroused lengthens. The recovery time for a midlife person is much longer. A disparity also exists between men and women and aging. For instance, older individuals' levels of sexual activity are related to their level of sexual activity and sexual enjoyment before, and during, their middle years (Weeks and James). All this has an impact on both psychological and physiological behavior.
Common topics in this essay:
Lenahan Sadovsky,
Suntag Freedman,
,
Professionals ARHP,
Miss America,
Phillips Olivardia,
Nikolowski Mature,
Conway Healthcare,
Sherman Women,
Heaton Carson,
sexual activity,
sex life,
healthcare professionals,
nusbaum lenahan sadovsky,
lenahan sadovsky,
nusbaum lenahan,
standards physical attractiveness,
lacy 24,
quality life,
ten percent,
midlife crisis,
sexually active,
|
Acceptance Essays
