Agewell Health promotion for older people in New Zealand

Intimacy and Sexuality

"There are many levels to intimacy.  We all have a need to touch and be touched, both physically and emotionally.  As we age we do not feel differently than we did when we were younger, though our physical and emotional reactions may be less immediate.

Some couples find intimacy improves as the pressures of work and family let up.  There can be a need to adapt to the effects of hormonal changes, illness, or medication, and advice from a health professional may help.

Sometimes an expectation of a decline in sexual activity becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy.  Negative feelings about our older bodies, or disapproval from family, culture, or religion can also have effects.  There can also be fewer opportunities to express affection as family move away, when a partner dies, or when living in a residential care environment.  Being aware of opportunities to experience intimacy in all its forms is important."  From Ageing is Living

"Living, Loving and Ageing - sexual and personal relationships in later life" is a book available at Age Concern New Zealand with more information on this topic.  You can borrow a copy by contacting Age Concern New Zealand.

HIV/AIDS and Older People

Other Websites of Interest

Survey on Sexual Behaviour Among Older Adults

Other Websites of Interest 

•  Medical Journal of Australia has an excellent article on Older Women's Sexuality and also gives references for further information.

• The Family Planning Association has useful information on this topic. You can order their flyer "Life-long sexuality" free from their website.

• SIECUS -  The Sexuality Information and Education Council of the U.S. (SIECUS) is a national, nonprofit organization which affirms that sexuality is a natural and healthy part of living. Incorporated in 1964, SIECUS develops, collects, and disseminates information, promotes comprehensive education about sexuality, and advocates the right of individuals to make responsible sexual choices. 

• The St Petersburg Times Online Seniority have an article on the The Quality of Closeness.  This looks at intimacy and ageing, relationships and includes comments from a number of older people and health professionals.

HIV/AIDS and Older People 

"HIV/AIDS is a global problem of catastrophic proportions. The challenge is enormous, but we are not powerless to face it. That is why I have made it my personal priority to form a global alliance commensurate with the challenge."

- United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan

HIV/AIDS has for many years been considered a disease affecting younger people. At the Second Word Assembly on Ageing HIV/AIDS and it's effect on older people was highlighted as a health issue of major importance.  To read the report in full go to the Global Ageing Website

The following excerpts are from the report tabled.

"More information is available for developed countries. In the USA, 10 per cent of all reported AIDS cases occur among people over the age of 50, with a quarter of these over 60...   ...  In Western Europe, nearly 10 per cent of new infections declared between January 1997 and mid-June 2000 were among the over-50 group. "

"Older women appear to have a higher incidence than older men: during a recent five-year period the number of new cases in older women increased by 40 per cent. "

"But this information does not reflect at what age this population group was infected. Many of them may have had the virus for years before being tested. By the time they are diagnosed, the infection may be in its most advanced stages."

"…[Older women] must be taught 'safe sex' practices. I don't want them to make the mistake I did and then join the increasing numbers of HIV-infected. It's no fun being 'senior' and living with the virus."

-Woman diagnosed at age 50  

The article discusses the Delay in Diagnosis, Prevention, and Action to reduce HIV/AIDS in older people.

HIV/AIDS May Escape Diagnosis 

The website of the Geriatric times features an article on how AIDS may escape diagnosis.  In the population of people infected with AIDS  "10.4% are over 50 years old, yet health care professionals may not consider an HIV/AIDS diagnosis when examining an older patient. What's more, it may be difficult to determine if dementia is HIV-related or a sign of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and to discern that an infection is an opportunistic one linked to HIV, not an unrelated condition such as pneumonia or herpes zoster."

Survey on Sexual Behaviour Among Older Adults

The University of Chicago has published a national survey that charts sexual behaviour among older adults.  It found that most people aged between 57 to 85 think of sexuality as an important part of life and that the frequency of sexual activity, for those who are active, declines only slightly from the 50s to the early 70s.

Data from the University of Chicago's National Social Life, Health and Aging Project (NSHAP), presented in the August 23, 2007, issue of the New England Journal of Medicine, showed that many men and women remain sexually active well into their 70s and 80s. A summary of the survey can be found on the University of Chicago site, as well as a PDF version of the article.

Please Note  Age Concern North Shore has tried to ensure that all information on this website is correct.   However, Age Concern North Shore does not accept liability for any statements or advice contained on, or omissions from, nor endorse any suggested site on this website.  Other websites referred to on this website are here for reference only. The information on this website should not be regarded as a substitute for professional advice and we do suggest that you consult with your health, legal or financial professional.       

©Age Concern North Shore 2001-2007.    E-Mail us dianem@acns.co.nz about the website.

Website last updated 30/06/2010