The belief is widespread that elderly individuals simply become asexual as they age. Consequently, many caregivers and healthcare practitioners implicitly ignore or downplay the sexuality and sexual needs of the elderly. Although it is true that elderly individuals commonly experience sexual dysfunction, which may include a decline in sexual desire, sexual functioning, and ability to engage in sexual activity, most desire to remain sexually active into their older age, and many in fact do. This review examines the extent to which programmed aging theory, which holds that senescence and its associated physiological decline result from genetically predetermined lifespan, can be used to explain and evaluate the development of sexual dysfunction among elderly individuals. Although programmed aging theory usefully accounts for and normalizes inevitable changes in sexual function and ability, it ignores the psychological and psychosocial aspects of aging that affect the onset and extent of sexual dysfunction. Acknowledging these aspects of aging has led to interventions which have proved helpful in maintaining and enhancing sexual activity and wellbeing among the elderly. As the population ages and average lifespans increase, it is necessary that caregivers and healthcare practitioners are equipped to help their patients understand, manage, and adapt to age-related changes in sexual desire, functioning, and wellbeing.
Can programmed aging theory adequately explain sexual dysfunction among the elderly?
