Aging and Sexuality

2018 ◽  
pp. 430-447
Author(s):  
Bheemsain Tekkalaki
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Dysfunction ◽  
Old Age ◽  
Sexual Desire ◽  
Healthy Aging ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Sexual Problems ◽  
Sexual Expression ◽  
Elderly Individuals ◽  
Sexual Activities ◽  
Aging And Sexuality

Sexual health in general and issues of old age sexuality in particular are neglected by laymen and healthcare professionals alike. Contrary to popular beliefs, elderly individuals continue to have sexual desire and sexual activities, and they believe that healthy sexual expression is an important aspect of healthy aging. Sexual problems are more frequently found in the elderly. This chapter describes the various causes of sexual dysfunction, assessment, and management of sexual problems in the elderly.

scholarly journals Can programmed aging theory adequately explain sexual dysfunction among the elderly?

SURG Journal ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Meral Mert
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Dysfunction ◽  
Sexual Activity ◽  
Sexual Desire ◽  
Sexual Functioning ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Sexually Active ◽  
Elderly Individuals ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Aging Theory ◽  
Programmed Aging

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.

Decision-Making in Old Age: Cautiousness and Rigidity

1981 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 89-98 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard E. Calhoun ◽  
Sam L. Hutchison
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Old Age ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Elderly Individual ◽  
Elderly Individuals ◽  
Two Factors ◽  
Behavioral Rigidity ◽  
Elderly Participant ◽  
Risky Decisions

The purpose of the present study was to test the findings of Botwinick's work on cautiousness and decision-making in old age [1, 2], along with an examination of two factors not previously studied: rigidity and certainty of decision outcome. Sixty-four elderly participants of both sexes participated in filling out the Choice Dilemmas Questionnaire (CDQ) after having been classified as high or low on Schaie's Test of Behavioral Rigidity [3]. In general, Botwinick's conclusions were supported: 1. when given the opportunity to avoid making decisions on the CDQ, the elderly did so, even under conditions of no risk at all concerning the outcome of the decision; 2. elderly individuals appeared to become more conservative and cautious in their decisions when the outcome was directed at the lives of young individuals than when older individual's lifestyles were of concern. This latter phenomenon, however, was not seen when the elderly participant was required to make a decision and could not elect to abstain. In addition, rigidity was found to be related to risky decisions made by the elderly individual.

scholarly journals The Relationship Between the Fear of COVID-19 in the Elderly Aged 65 Years and Over and Their Levels of Adaptation to the “New Normal”: A Cross-Sectional Study

2021 ◽  
pp. 003022282110543
Author(s):  
Sibel Şentürk ◽  
Alev Yıldırım Keskin ◽  
Şule Sarızayim
Keyword(s):  
Old Age ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Psychological Support ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
New Normal ◽  
Elderly Individuals ◽  
The Relationship

This study was carried out to determine the relationship between the fear of COVID-19 in the elderly aged 65 years and over and their levels of adaptation to the “new normal.” This descriptive cross-sectional study was completed with 623 elderly individuals. It was determined that the individuals who adapted well to the “new normal” had high levels of adaptation to old age, while their levels of fear of COVID-19 were slightly above average ( p < 0.01). Elderly individuals have tried to adapt to the “new normal” while also experiencing fear of COVID-19. In order to minimize the fear experienced by the elderly during COVID-19, adequate support and psychological support should be provided.

Physician use of the phrase “due to old age” to address complaints of elderly symptoms in Japanese medical settings: The merits and drawbacks

2021 ◽  
pp. 147775092110366
Author(s):  
Atsushi Asai ◽  
Taketoshi Okita ◽  
Masashi Tanaka ◽  
Seiji Bito ◽  
Motoki Ohnishi
Keyword(s):  
Elderly Patient ◽  
Elderly Patients ◽  
Medical Care ◽  
Old Age ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Modern Medicine ◽  
Medical Settings ◽  
Elderly Individuals ◽  
Pain And Suffering ◽  
Aging Phenomenon

In everyday medical settings in Japan, physicians occasionally tell an elderly patient that their symptoms are “due to old age,” and there is some concern that patient care might be negatively impacted as a result. That said, as this phrase can have multiple connotations and meanings, there are certain instances in which the use of this phrase may not necessarily be indicative of ageism, or prejudice against the elderly. One of the goals in medical care is to address pain and suffering that develops with age in elderly individuals, and whether or not aging is a disease is inconsequential. However, assuming that an individualized and thorough examination has been performed, there are some conditions that can be attributed only to age. Accordingly, physicians must acknowledge the merits and drawbacks of using the phrase “due to old age,” and exercise caution when using it. Both physicians and their elderly patients must share a common awareness of the incomplete and limited nature of modern medicine and its scope, and physicians must help their elderly patients accept and live with the aging phenomenon.

scholarly journals PSYCHOLOGICAL PECULIARITIES OF DEMONSTRATION THE OPTIMISM IN ELDERLY PERSONS

2020 ◽  
pp. 33-40
Author(s):  
Horetska O.V.
Keyword(s):  
Old Age ◽  
Healthy Aging ◽  
Elderly Person ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Elderly Persons ◽  
Coping With Stress ◽  
Psychological Constructs ◽  
Self Confidence ◽  
Life Path ◽  
Definition Of

Мета. У статті поставлено за мету розкрити сутність оптимізму як психологічного феномену, про-аналізувати його зв’язок з іншими психологічними конструктами, визначити психологічні особливості прояву оптимізму у людей похилого віку. Методи. За допомогою описового методу проаналізовано різні підходи до дефініції оптимізму; систематизовано наукові теоретичні й емпіричні дослідження цього конструкту; за допомогою методики Л. Рудіної «Тест на оптимізм» визначено рівень оптимізму, песимізму й надії людей похилого віку. Результати. Здійснено аналіз взаємозв’язку оптимізму з іншими психологічними категоріями. Наведено основні переваги оптимізму на життєвому шляху особистості. Зазначено, що оптимізм – здатність людини переживати надію на успіх, вірити у власні сили й можливості, турбуватися про себе та конструктивно долати перешкоди на шляху до досягнення мети. Описано психологічні характеристики людини-оптиміста й людини-песиміста. Розглянуто соціально-психологічні проблеми літніх. Надано результати емпіричного дослідження прояву оптимізму в людей похилого віку. Оптимістичні люди похилого віку більш щасливі, продуктивні, задоволені життям, упевнені в собі й у власному майбутньому, готові до нового, здатні прийняти себе і власний вік, більш успішно соціалізуються, мають певні цілі в житті та потрібні ресурси для їх реалізації, конструктивні копінг-стратегії подолання життєвих труднощів. У них загалом менше проблем зі здоров’ям. Песимістично налаштовані люди похилого віку гірше адаптуються до нового етапу життя, мають занижений емоційний фон і самооцінку, не прийма-ють старість, очікують найгіршого в майбутньому, почуваються розгубленими у стресових ситуаціях, невпевнені в собі, безініціативні, малопродуктивні, некомунікабельні, тривожні, бояться проявляти себе, вважають, що життя скінчено, проте набагато точніше, ніж оптимісти, здатні оцінити ситуацію та власні ресурси для її вирішення. У більшості респондентів встановлено переважання помірного песимізму. Висновки. Дослідження акцентує увагу на створенні необхідних умов посилення оптимізму в людей похилого віку задля благополучного старіння, позитивного прийняття себе та світу, формування впевненості в собі, віри у власні сили й успіх, планів на життя, ефективного подолання стресу, підтримки психічного й фізичного здоров’я. Ключові слова: людина похилого віку, оптимізм, песимізм, щастя, психічне здоров’я, благополучна старість. Purpose. The aim of the article is to reveal the essence of optimism as a psychological phenomenon, to analyze its connection with other psychological constructs, to determine the psychological peculiarities of optimism in the elderly persons.Methods. With the help of the descriptive method there have been analyzed the different approaches to the definition of optimism; there have been systematized the scientific theoretical and empirical researches of this construct; with the help of the method of L. Rudina “Test for optimism” there have been defined the role of optimism, pessimism and hope of the elderly persons.Results. There have been done the analysis of the relationship of optimism with other psychological categories. The main advantages of optimism in the personality’s life path have been given. It is noted that optimism is a person’s ability to feel hope for success, believe in own strengths and abilities, take care of themselves and constructively overcome obstacles on the way to achieving the goal. There have been described the psychological features of optimist and pessimist. The social and psychological problems of the elderly persons have been considered. The results of the empirical research of optimism in elderly persons are given. The optimistic elderly persons are happier, more productive, satisfied with life, confident in themselves and their future, ready for new, able to accept themselves and their own age, socialize more successfully, have certain goals in life and necessary resources for their realization, constructive coping-strategies for overcoming life’s difficulties. In general they have fewer health problems. Pessimistic elderly people often adapt worse to the new stage of life, have low emotional background and self-esteem, don’t accept old age, expect the worst in the future, feel confused in stressful situations, insecure, uninitiated, unproductive, uncommunicative, fearless, believe that life is over, but much more accurately than optimists they are able to evaluate the situation and own resources for its solving. The majority of respondents demonstrate a predominance of moderate pessimism. Conclusions. The research pays attention on creating the necessary conditions as for strengthening optimism in the elderly for healthy aging, positive acceptance of yourself and the world, building self-confidence and success, life plans, effective coping with stress, mental and physical health. Key words: elderly person, optimism, pessimism, happiness, mental health, prosperous old age.

scholarly journals Benefits of physical activity on elderly

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (18) ◽  
pp. 25-33
Author(s):  
Esther Lizbeth Islas-Cruz
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Old Age ◽  
Healthy Aging ◽  
Healthy Lifestyle ◽  
Muscle Tone ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
World Health ◽  
Health Organization

Introduction: The increase in the Elderly population as the main characteristic of the demographic transition brings with it multiple challenges for public health. As part of the public politics of the World Health Organization (WHO) on healthy aging, Physical Activity (PA) is relevant, being the subject of multiple studies about its benefits on the quality of life of older people. The adoption of a healthy lifestyle at an early age and even in old age, which includes PA, favors the quality of life of the subjects and a healthy aging. Method: This article is a systematic review of the Pubmed, Google Schoolar, Elsevier, Scielo and Redalyc index. Using the keywords, 132 related articles were found, however, according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 120 articles were discarded, leaving 12 studies for review. Results: 72% of the studies showed benefits at a physical level: PA in old age improves strength, balance, flexibility and muscle tone. It is also related to a significant reduction in arterial stiffness. 11% of the investigations refer to improvements in the psychoemotional sphere: PA generates positive feelings such as happiness or good self-perception. And 17% of the articles focused on quality of life: PA favors the perception of better quality of life. Conclusion: Physical activity improves health in the physical, mental and social spheres of older adults, improving their quality of life and promoting healthy aging.

Assessment of sexual dysfunction before and after surgery for lumbar disc herniation

2010 ◽  
Vol 13 (5) ◽  
pp. 581-586 ◽  
Author(s):  
Naz B. Akbaş ◽  
Sedat Dalbayrak ◽  
Duygu G. Külcü ◽  
Mesut Yılmaz ◽  
Tevfik Yılmaz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Dysfunction ◽  
Sexual Intercourse ◽  
Lumbar Disc Herniation ◽  
Disc Herniation ◽  
Sexual Desire ◽  
Lumbar Disc ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
Sexual Problems ◽  
Sexual Life ◽  
Before And After

Object Sexuality is an important aspect of human life. Sexual activity may be affected in lumbar disc herniation through different mechanisms. The aim of this study is to evaluate patients' sexual problems and sexual behavior patterns before and after surgical treatment of lumbar disc herniation. Methods Forty-three patients were included in the study (mean age 41.4 years). A visual analog scale, the Oswestry Disability Index, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and a sexuality assessment questionnaire developed for this study were administered to the patients to evaluate pain and sexual dysfunction. Results Fifty-five percent of the men and 84% of the women reported experiencing sexual problems after the onset of low-back pain. The most common sexual problems were decreased sexual desire (18%) and premature ejaculation together with erectile dysfunction (18%) for the male patients, and decreased sexual desire (47%) for the female patients. The frequency of sexual intercourse before the operation was reduced in 78% of cases compared with the pain-free period. Postoperatively, the patients first attempted sexual intercourse a mean of 26.5 days after surgery. The frequency of intercourse was found to have increased (p = 0.01), while description of any type of sexual problem had decreased (p = 0.005) significantly. Conclusions Lumbar disc herniation has negative effects on sexual life, and not enough attention is given to the patients' sexual problems by the physicians. Decreased sexual desire and decreased sexual intercourse are the most commonly reported problems. Taking time during examination and giving simple recommendations may improve sexuality and life quality of the patients.

An Inquiry into the Positive Personal and Social Effects of Old Age Stereotypes among the Elderly

1982 ◽  
Vol 14 (4) ◽  
pp. 277-290 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael C. Kearl
Keyword(s):  
Old Age ◽  
Relative Deprivation ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Social Effects ◽  
Relative Advantage ◽  
Older Individuals ◽  
Age Stereotypes ◽  
Elderly Individuals ◽  
Alternative Perspective

Much has been written or inferred about the detrimental consequences of old age stereotypes for elderly individuals. This paper presents and tests an alternative perspective called relative advantage. As the reciprocal counterpart of relative deprivation theory, this perspective claims that such stereotypes may be psychologically and sociologically functional for the old to believe. Using the results of the 1975 Louis Harris-NCOA “The Myth and Reality of Aging in America” survey, two hypotheses were tested: 1) those who feel other older individuals are worse off than themselves will have higher life satisfaction scores than those perceiving others to be as well or better off; 2) these imputations of others' difficulties correlate with one's likelihood to support and join coalitions on behalf of the old and to approve government taxing of all age groups to support them. The evidence presented raises some dysfunctional implications of debunking aging myths.

scholarly journals At the Crossroads of Life: Belgraders’ Perceptions of Their Old Age

2010 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
pp. 57-74
Author(s):  
Senka Kovač
Keyword(s):  
Nursing Home ◽  
Social Network ◽  
Old Age ◽  
Successful Aging ◽  
Healthy Aging ◽  
Elderly Population ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Living Alone ◽  
The Social ◽  
Aging Well

The paper presents the results of several years’ fieldwork among the elderly population in Belgrade. The study examines the attitudes towards old age of elderly Belgraders living alone, those living with their families, and also those living in the Gerontology Center nursing home. The position of elderly people in the social network in the Belgrade municipality of Vračar is also explored. In this era of longevity and at a time of global economic crisis which is also affecting Serbia, it would be useful to reconsider the concepts of successful aging, well-aging and healthy aging.

scholarly journals The Effect of High-Density Built Environments on Elderly Individuals’ Physical Health: A Cross-Sectional Study in Guangzhou, China

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (19) ◽  
pp. 10250
Author(s):  
Rongrong Zhang ◽  
Song Liu ◽  
Ming Li ◽  
Xiong He ◽  
Chunshan Zhou
Keyword(s):  
Built Environment ◽  
Physical Health ◽  
Healthy Aging ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
High Density ◽  
Mediating Effect ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Elderly Individuals ◽  
The Impact

The built environment refers to the objective material environment built by humans in cities for living and production activities. Existing studies have proven that the built environment plays a significant role in human health, but little attention is paid to the elderly in this regard. At the same time, existing studies are mainly concentrated in Western developed countries, and there are few empirical studies in developing countries such as China. Based on POI (point of interest) data and 882 questionnaires collected from 20 neighborhoods in Guangzhou, we employ multilevel linear regression modeling, mediating effect modeling, to explore the path and mechanism of the impact of the built environment on elderly individuals’ physical health, especially the mediating effects of physical and social interaction activity. The results show that the number of POIs, the distance to the nearest park and square, and the number of parks and squares are significantly positively correlated with the physical health of the elderly, while the number of bus and subway stations and the distance to the nearest station are significantly negatively correlated. Secondly, physical activity and social networks play a separate role in mediating the effect of the built environment on elderly individuals’ physical health. The results enrich the research on the built environment and elderly individuals’ health in the context of high-density cities in China and provide some reference basis for actively promoting spatial intervention and cultivating a healthy aging society.

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