OUR SEXUAL JOURNEY AS OLDER ADULTS: SEXUAL DIVERSITY. SEXUALITY

Posted on March 17th, 2009, by admin

Sexual Diversity during Older Adulthood

There is a powerful myth that lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people face a lonely and empty old age. In reality, people with different sexual orientations and gender identities may be better equipped to cope with the adjustments of aging. They are more likely to plan for their own financial independence and to have built a supportive network of friends.

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people have had to navigate their sexual journeys through the difficulties presented by a homophobic and oppressive society. Because of their experiences, they might be better at dealing with changes and losses that come with aging.

Being of different sexual orientation or gender identity, however, can make it difficult for an older person to express affection or have sexual contact with a partner who is hospitalized or in a nursing home facility. Though few nursing homes offer conjugal visits for heterosexual partners, far fewer offer them for the partners of lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender patients.

Sexuality in Nursing Homes

Expressing our sexuality in nursing homes may be the most difficult part of our sexual journey. Many facilities have been criticized for their insensitivity to human rights of aged women and men. Most nursing homes have antisex prejudices and practices. Often, married partners who engage in sexual activities are separated from one another.

Most patients are denied the right of sexual opportunity and privacy. Masturbation is frowned upon, and women and men who masturbate are often reprimanded. Patients’ infatuations for their caregivers may be ridiculed or treated harshly.

Before selecting an assisted-living facility for an older adult, it’s important to become knowledgeable about the practices and rules of the facility. Try to determine if there are programs on sexuality for the residents and staff. Are there private lounges for time alone? Is there an acceptance of sexual need and rights of the elderly? Can partners in a relationship share their living space? These questions and answers may influence your choice of a facility.

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