Sexual Intimacy, And Sexuality In Late Adulthood

Any recent act or failure to act on the part of a parent or caretaker which results in death, serious physical or emotional harm, sexual abuse or exploitation. That is what you have to do in order for your kids to be safe.
Aging is a complex process; it revolves around many changes in a person’s life, whether they are physical, psychological, or social. One important aspect that changes while aging is an individual’s sexual development. An individual’s sexuality and need for intimacy are often noted to be very important for their well being and can determine how well a person will continue to live and age. Sexuality though, is often ignored in certain stages of life, especially in late adulthood. Often time’s the reason for that is that society constructs these ideas that sexual intimacy in late adulthood (ages 65 and over) is not important and that individuals lose interest and their ability in it. They believe that humans become asexual creatures, whose intimacies needs are not to be met. Sexuality in late adulthood is in turn very important and can determine whether or not the person gets that sense of intimacy needed for a healthy living. It is important for society to get rid of those misconceptions and educate themselves about the specific challenges and rewards sexuality may bring to the elderly.
Sexuality is defined as the feelings and behaviors of a human being concerning sex, which encompasses both sexual behaviors and sexual desire (Sharpe, 2004). Sexuality is and can be different for everybody. As time goes by, there are different ways and types of behaviors associated with sexuality. Sexual development from the very young to the very old differs because for example, sexual behavior in young adults serves for procr...

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... decrease in the old age, but sexual satisfaction does not. There may be many causes for a decrease in sexual activity, such as time-related factors, since dysfunctions in the sexual response cycle may require more time for genital stimulation. Also there may be medical and psychosocial factors, such as the lack of privacy and knowledge that will contribute to the decrease. Open attitude by society and the health industry should be acquired, so they can encourage people to talk about their sexual health, and address solutions for a healthy sex life. As we know, the majority of elders, age 65 and above is currently engaging in sexual activity and is engaging in behaviors that fulfill their sense of intimacy. It is not only about sexual intercourse, but rather the feeling of being loved, which is essential for an older adult’s sexual identity (Mitty & Rheaume, 2008).