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On #SexualRightsDay I'm reminded about why we need to recognise the diversity of sexual activity, sexual agency, and sexual expression in people aged 50 years and older #SexRightsAge. Here are a few of the reasons why:
First, and this is the overarching point, is that the over 50s are not an homogeneous group. There are multiple intersecting factors that influence our lives, including our sexual lives. These include gender, race/ethnic group, socio-economic status, sexual orientation.
Second, and similar to the above, our unique personal history can influence our sexual lives in the present. So, our experiences of sexual trauma, stigma, discrimination, poverty, disability, and health conditions both physical and mental.
There is a tendency to associate sexual difficulties with the over 50s. While there is an increased likelihood of experiencing them as we get older, this is my Third point: not all older adults have a sexual difficulty.
Indeed, what may be a sexual difficulty to one older adult, may not be considered a sexual difficulty by another older adult. The very act of defining a sexual issue as a sexual difficulty is influenced by many factors.
And a main factor is that when sex is important to us (and our relationship if we’re in one), then we’re more likely to consider a sexual issue as a sexual difficulty. We’ve consistently found this in research.
Connected to this, the Fourth point is that not everyone aged 50+ wants to be sexually active. And not all who do want to be sexually active have a sexual partner. There is heterogeneity in terms of partnering, as well as sexual desire.
Fifth, is that there is diversity with regard to what gives us sexual pleasure. Indeed, many older adults report that intimate actions are as rewarding as sexual activity. While others prefer the sexual acts of masturbation, penetration, and other physical stimulation.
My Sixth and final point: let’s not forget that ageism prevents us from seeing this diversity. Ageism homogenizes older adults. And that’s because ageism is rooted in stereotyping, and stereotyping by its nature generalises the characteristic of a group or category of people.
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