Sexuality and Older

Adults

NURS 150Week 2
PRACTICAL NURSING PROGRAM
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this lesson, students will be able
to:

Discuss health and illness as these

concepts apply to aging and/ or chronic
health problems.

Incorporate diverse therapeutic approaches

including the nurse-client relationship;
interventions such as medication
administration, tools and techniques; and
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health teaching, into plans of care.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this lesson, students will be able
to:

Identify potential client health problems.

Implement appropriate therapeutic nursing

interventions selected from a range of
approaches and alternatives.

Discuss the goals and principles of

gerontology and gerontological nursing.
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Sexuality
A central aspect of being human throughout life and
encompasses sex, gender identities and roles,
sexual orientation, eroticism, pleasure, intimacy and
reproduction.

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Sexuality
Expectations

Age Variables Regarding Sexuality

Redefinitions of
Sexuality

Activity Levels

Cohort Attitudes

Physical Changes of
Aging

Psychological
6 Factors
Sexuality
Acceptance and Championship.
Love, warmth, sharing, touching between people, not
just physical act of coitus.
Anything that gives sexual or emotional pleasure,
excitement, comfort.

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Intimacy
A warm, meaningful feeling of joy.

Includes the need for close friendships, relationships

with family, friends and others.

An important component of successful aging.

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Think-Pair-Share!
Discuss the common myths about sexuality and
aging.

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Challenges for Sexual Needs
Environmental Factors.
Lack of privacy.
Absence of suitable partner.
Family and staff attitudes.

Sexual Dysfunctions.
Male and female.

Chronic Illness.

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Think-Pair-Share!
1. Discuss strategies for the challenges (in previous
slide) that may assist in continued sexual activity
for the elderly.

2. Discuss two factors related to HIV/ AIDS and older

adults (refer to your textbook).

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Discussion of Sexuality
The PLISSIT Model.

PPermission from the person

to initiate sexual discussion

LIProviding the Limited

Information needed to function
sexuality

SSGiving Specific
Suggestions for the individual
to proceed with sexual relations

ITProviding Intensive
Therapy surrounding the issues
of sexuality for the person

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Nursing Interventions
Foster Sexual Integrity.
Education and counseling about sexual function.
Adaptations for age-related changes and chronic
conditions.
Maintenance of sexuality for the older adult who
desires this.

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Quick Check!
1. What would be the most important factors to
consider when providing education about sexuality
and sexual health?

2. What challenges may be presented when

considering intimacy and sexuality in older adults
with dementia?

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References
Lewis, S. L., Heitkemper, M. M., Dirksen, S. R., & OBrien, P. G.
(current ed.). Medical - Surgical Nursing in Canada: Assessment
and Management of Clinical Problems (current ed.). Toronto:
Mosby Elsevier.

Potter, P., Perry, A. G. (2014). In Ross-Kerr, J., Wood, M., Astle, B.,
& Duggleby, W. (Eds), Canadian fundamentals for nursing
(current ed). Toronto: Mosby.

Touchy, T. A., Jett, K. F., Boscart, V., & McCleary, L. (current ed.).
Ebersole and Hess Gerontological Nursing and Healthy Aging
(current ed.). Toronto: Elsevier.

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QUESTIONS?