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, 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 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 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 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 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 make- up 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.