Download The Future-What does it look like?

The Future-What does it look
like?
Gero 410
April 2008
Boomers and Zoomers
• What we have seen through the course is the complexity
of the picture emerging for sex in mid-life and beyond.
Let’s look at a few snapshots.
• There is a drop in sexual activity from 45 to 59, 60-74 and
75+. Frequency drops with age. Those with regular
partners continue to be sexually active.
• Most people surveyed are satisfied with their physical
relationship.
• With advancing age, the gender gap is overshadowed by
the partner gap-the haves-men, the have-nots women 60
plus.
Snapshots
• The generation gap is alive and well in sexual
attitudes. Those who came of age in the 60’s versus
their parents. Women 45-59 are more liberal in
sexual attitudes. Older men tend to be more
conservative than younger men.
• New drugs are available for male impotence and
about 6% of older males are trying them out.
• Most people over 60 believe that better health and a
good sex life are linked, but over half the men and
85% of the women surveyed say their sex life is
unimpaired by illness.
Boomers and Zoomers
• Therefore drugs, disease and relationship changes
are all factors to consider when looking at sex and
aging. We are challenged to look not just at the
physical aspects, but the relationship and
demographic conditions affecting the aged. For
example, for many older widows, the death of the
husband translates into the end of their sexual
relations, and many go without any form of physical
contact such as touching and caressing. Opportunity
and availability are key issues.
B and Z
• Many women (2/3rds)consider close and intimate
friendships and family equally as important as sexual
relationships. Only about 40% of men feel the same
way.
• At every age however, sex does seem to hold its
importance. 60% of men and 35% of women say
sexual activity is important to their overall quality of
life.
• Boomers and Zoomers are much less likely to accept
celibacy as a natural outcome of widowhood.
B and Z
• We are still seeing the attitude of one third of the
women under 60 saying that having sex without
being married does not feel right. This goes up to
50% of women 60-74 and 2/3rds of women 75 and
older. Men do not feel this way at any age!!!!
• Older women are more conservative in their
attitudes to self-pleasure, men are just the opposite.
• For women, finding a mate without a partner tops
the list on how to improve their sexual relationships,
and added to this is the stress of caring for older
relatives.
B and Z
• This is a heavily medicated generation. 36% of
women from 45-59 are on some form of hormone
replacement therapy. 10% of those 75+. About 14%
are also taking anti-depressants or tranquilizers and
¼ men and women are on blood pressure
medications
• There is still a lack of candid doctor/patient
discussions about sex, libido, potency, management
of chronic illness and sexuality.
B and Z
• One in ten men surveyed are taking Viagra to
enhance sexual performance (5.6% of the sample).
This family of medication has exposed impotence
and ED and made the discussions more public.
• 16% of males 60-74 complain of impotence. 37% of
those 75 and over. Women surveyed are of course
pleased with the effects of successful treatment.
• Physical attractiveness is still important, older
persons seem to be less judgmental than younger
age groups (45-59)
B and Z
• Neurobiologists are now finding that our biological makeup may determine our sexual behavior. And we must now
add this to the complex nature and nurture theories
already in place.
• Communication continues to be a critical variable in
developing and maintaining a successful sexual
partnership. Knowing likes and dislikes and how to
respond are key factors which do not change with age.
• Adapting to change, addressing fears, talking about
anxieties goes a long way to reduce performance anxiety
and the inhibition of desire.
B and Z
• Sexuality therefore pervades life at all levels and
ages, physical, social, psychological. It must be seen if
a variety of contexts and diverse orientations. It calls
for creative and comprehensive ways to view
sexuality in the aging person. It challenges us to
consider our values beliefs and prejudices.
• Public health issues such as the increase of STI’s must
be addressed and given serious attention. Health and
Public policies must address these and other
concerns in society.
Case Study
• Jean is 65 and her daughter Sarah is 39. They were
having coffee in Jean’s kitchen when the topic of
conversation turned to Marriage, Children, Divorce,
Sexual Happiness, and Aging. They had not had a frank
discussion like this before and both shared their views on
the above subjects. Sarah shared what she believed
about cohabitation, parenting, and what she thought
went into making a happy marriage. Jean was surprised
as she went over the same topics and reviewed her
beliefs that were common in her age group and how they
seemed so different.