Lecture Reflection: Aging Adults and Sexual Health


When thinking about aging adults, it is not uncommon for society as a whole to assume that sex and sexuality is not an important part of an older adult’s day to day life. However, our guest lecturer today proved that assumption to be a myth. Based on statistics she shared, sex and sexual health is an important and integral part of an older adult’s life.

Some key takeaway points include physical issues adults will face as they age and how it changes their sexual responses. This includes but is not limited to hardening of arteries and high blood pressure which affects blood flow. Also, cancer treatments along with other medications can cause fatigue, depression, and loss of libido. And finally, arthritis, weakened muscles, and limited range of motion can limit positioning.

How and why would an occupational therapist address sexual health in the aging adult population? First, sex is an occupation that statistics show is very meaningful to older adults. There are many things occupational therapists can do to support participation in this occupation as one ages. For an individual, a therapist can address things such as pain, swelling, or limited range of motion in joints through education of preparatory methods (heat, retrograde massage, stretching, ect.) in order to help one prepare for sexual activities. For a couple, an occupational therapist can discuss positioning to promote comfort and safety during a sexual activity.

It may not be a comfortable topic for a client to bring up, but sex is an important and meaningful occupation for many of our patients. Occupational therapists play an important role in addressing barriers and limitations aging individuals face and can help them maintain the important occupation of sex.  

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