Sexuality and Intimacy in Older Adults

In most long-term care settings, staff members tend to view a resident's attempts at sexual expression as “problem” behavior. However, we are increasingly recognizing that interest in, and the right to, sexual expression exists throughout the life span and should be supported. Assisted living nurses need information and tools to adequately address residents' sexual health and to overcome the many barriers to intimacy in this population. This article briefly reviews age and illness-related changes in sexual function; describes the research regarding older adults' and their family's and caregivers' attitudes regarding sexuality and intimacy; discusses sexuality and residents with dementia; and reviews nursing assessment and educational interventions that support healthy sexuality among older adults.