Aging and sexuality

Abstract

Sexuality, although only one aspect of one's being, plays an integral role during the aging process. This role has physical and psychologic ramifications. A healthy sexual attitude combined with addressing physical health needs provides a greater potential for enjoying a more fulfilled lifestyle as one ages. With aging come significant potential medical problems and associated psychologic disturbances. These issues present a challenge to those in the medical profession who treat this age group. It is important to those physicians accepting this responsibility to become extremely familiar with all the nuances affecting those in the golden years of their lives. This enormous responsibility requires knowledge, caring, compassion, understanding, and sensitivity. With luck, we will all reach those golden years and receive the freedom to experience and express sexuality that is most certainly deserved.