Sex over 60. Karol Tapias Hanna Tessema

Transcription

1 Get Real! Sex over 60 Karol Tapias Hanna Tessema

2 A young woman asked a 70 year old woman how long sex drive lasted. The older one replied, I don t know; ask me in 20 Years.

3 Council of Senior Centers and Services CSCS Champions the Rights of Older New Yorkers Through programs, policy and advocacy, and connecting aging services CSCS The Power of Aging

4 Dangerously Little is known about sexuality among older adults Generalizable data does not exist but negative attitudes, stereotypes, and anxieties abound.

5 What we do know The widespread assumption that sexual problems and dysfunction are a natural or inevitable part of the aging process has been disproved Data indicate that while sexual activity decreases with age overall and relationship duration in particular The prevalence of sexual problems or dysfunction cannot be attributed exclusively to aging

6 At older ages, married men and women face lower risks of sexual dysfunction than the unmarried of the same age. And for older women, much more than for older men, opportunity for sex depends almost entirely on being married. Life-stage events such as marriage, employment, illness, menopause, widowhood, and retirement exert important influences on sexuality and intimate interpersonal relationships.

7 Although a small minority of adults choose complete abstinence or celibacy, the vast majority regularly engages in some sexual experience and expression.

8 New England Journal of Medicine Reports About half of individuals between the ages of 65 and 74 remain active, as do 26% of those between 75 and 85. Among those in this second group, 54% said that they had sex at least two or three times a month, and 23% reported relations with a partner at least once a week

9 Gender Differences Men tend to be more sexually active in later life than women Lack of partner is the primary reason for diminished sexual activity in later life Health status influences levels of sexual activity in both genders but is a stronger indicator of decreased sexual activity for men Prescription drugs often have damaging effects on sexual desire and function

10 hormonal changes in women can lead to low sexual desire and vaginal dryness which alter sexual response As men age and testosterone levels decline, the sexual response cycle becomes more similar to that of women with a prolonged phase of excitement and a greater need for tactile stimulation and foreplay Changes in olfaction How does your sense of smell add to sexuality? Especially true for women

11 Changes in Sexual Response Desire Hormone levels, medications, chronic illness Excitement Need a little more work and a lot more lube Plateau Positive change Lasts longer! Orgasm May not be as powerful Resolution Quick turn around

12 Working with Older Adults Living with HIV

13 ACRIA is a leading research and education organization, working across New York City and State; nationally and internationally to help people with HIV & AIDS live longer, healthier lives. ACRIA tests the newest HIV therapies, getting life-changing drugs into the hands of the people who need them the most. We undertake cutting-edge research, to understand better who has HIV and how to keep people living with the disease healthy. We provide essential HIV health and prevention information to disadvantaged people and communities around the world, and strengthen community-based groups across the U.S., Latin America, and the Caribbean through a unique program of technical assistance and capacity building. Additionally, through the ACRIA Center on HIV & Aging we are recognized as a leader on the fast emerging issue of older adults and HIV. ACRIA currently receives funding from the New York State Department of Health AIDS Institute as a Center of Expertise. For more information, please visit our website:

14 Why is the HIV+ Population Graying? With the advent of successful anti-retroviral therapies, adults 50 and older will be the majority of people living with HIV in the U.S. by Part of this growth is due to new infections, with adults 45+ accounting for approximately 20% of all new HIV infections. 2 1 United States Senate Special Committee on Aging. HIV over Fifty: Exploring the New Threat. [Web cast]. May 12, Available at 2 CDC Fact Sheet: New HIV Infections in the United States; December, 2012:

15 Percentage of Persons Living with HIV & AIDS in NYS: 2001 vs % of PLWA are 40 yrs & older * Data as of 3/13/13 Source: NYSDOH/AI/BHAE

16

17

18 Impact of HAART Mortality (x 1000) PLWHA (x 10,000) HAART Source: NYC Dept of Health & Mental Hygiene, 2004

19

20 Older people are generally Less Likely To be knowledgeable about their own risk for HIV infection than younger people. To use appropriate precautions To receive screening & early intervention More Likely To experience a rapid course of illness & co morbidities. To be stigmatized & lack social support To experience significant caregiver burden To experience a delayed diagnosis

21 Sex in Later Life?

22 National Survey of Sexual Health & Behavior, Indiana University, 2010

23 Unique Challenges for Older Adults Older adults are not perceived as being at risk for HIV which creates several challenges to developing educational & prevention programming geared toward older adults. Studies have shown that healthcare providers are reluctant to discuss sexual health issues with older patients

24 Immunosenescence Definition: The natural decline of the immune system due to aging

25 Average Number of Comorbidities Elderly ROAH

26 Signs & Symptoms: Older Adults **Often times signs & symptoms of HIV in older adults can be confused with the normal signs of aging & as a result are not treated properly**

27 According to the American Medical Association: An estimated two-thirds of older people are unable to understand the information given to them about their prescription medications. (2007) Most Medicare beneficiaries (90%) take prescription medications, and as many as 55% are non-adherent.

28 ACRIA s HIV Older Adults Materials The image part with relationship ID rid7 was not found in the file.

29 The image part with relationship ID rid3 was not found in the file. ACRIA s Older Adults & HIV Social Messaging Campaign

30 ACRIA s Older Adults & HIV Social Messaging Campaign The campaign was featured at bus stops in high HIV incidence areas in four boroughs: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens and the Bronx

31 Newest Campaign (Summer 2014)

32

33 Tips for working with seniors Working with seniors must take into consideration the vast life experiences they have had Start the discussion in a small group Frame the discussion as a conversation, with the seniors having as much to share as you do Speak their language (Use culturally and generationally appropriate language) Don t be crass or use colloquial terms Have fun Be creative Show that you are comfortable with the information and not embarrassed Be an expert, not a know it all A little respect goes a long way

34 Fun Ideas Small Groups: Mixed and Gender Segregated Posters/Bulletin Boards and other Passive Programming Awareness Days HIV Testing and Education Movies and Stories Peer Education Include in other Health Presentations Empower to Educate Others

35 Thank You! Stay in Touch! For Further Information Please Contact: Karol Tapias, LMSW Director of Training and Innovation Council of Senior Centers and Services of New York City, Inc x227 Hanna Tessema, MPH, MSW HIV OA Technical Assistance Manager ACRIA (212) x135