Barriers to sexual health

Barriers to sexual health
1. Select ONE health issue that is a barrier to older adult sexuality.
2. Then share your thoughts on the roles of organizations and institutions in providing coping mechanisms for seniors for such a problem.
3. For the question above, what can family members do to help seniors cope with health issues that prevent intimacy?
4. What position should society adopt in cases of such sexual health issues?
Support your post with relevant resources.
APA 7 style is recommended for your main post, with in-text citations and an APA 7 reference list.
Due 28th

ANSWER
**Health Issue:**

One health issue that is a barrier to older adult sexuality is **chronic pain**. Chronic pain is defined as pain that lasts for three months or longer. It can be caused by a variety of conditions, including arthritis, cancer, and back pain.

Chronic pain can interfere with older adults’ sexual activity in a number of ways. First, it can make it difficult or impossible to engage in certain sexual positions or activities. Second, it can reduce sexual desire and arousal. Third, it can lead to feelings of depression and anxiety, which can also make it difficult to enjoy sex.

**Roles of Organizations and Institutions:**

Organizations and institutions can play an important role in providing coping mechanisms for older adults with chronic pain. They can do this by:

* Providing education and support groups for older adults with chronic pain. These groups can provide older adults with information about how to manage their pain, connect with other people who are experiencing similar challenges, and develop coping mechanisms.
* Offering counseling services to older adults with chronic pain. Counseling can help older adults to understand the impact of chronic pain on their sexuality and to develop strategies for coping with these challenges.
* Providing access to pain management medications and therapies. This can help to reduce older adults’ pain and make it easier for them to engage in sexual activity.

**What Family Members Can Do:**

Family members can also play an important role in helping seniors cope with health issues that prevent intimacy. They can do this by:

* Talking to their loved ones about their sexual health concerns. It is important for older adults to feel comfortable talking to their family members about their sexual health. Family members can provide support and understanding, and they can help older adults to find resources that can be helpful.
* Being patient and understanding. It is important to remember that older adults may need more time and patience to engage in sexual activity. Family members should be respectful of their loved ones’ needs and boundaries.
* Helping their loved ones to find other ways to express intimacy. There are many ways to express intimacy besides sexual intercourse. Family members can help their loved ones to find other ways to connect and bond, such as through cuddling, massage, or simply spending time together.

**Position of Society:**

Society should adopt a supportive and understanding position towards older adults with sexual health issues. It is important to recognize that older adults are still sexual beings, and they have the same right to enjoy sex as everyone else.

Society can help to create a more supportive environment for older adults with sexual health issues by:

* Educating the public about the sexual health needs of older adults. This can help to reduce stigma and discrimination.
* Promoting positive images of older adults in the media. This can help to challenge negative stereotypes about older adult sexuality.
* Advocating for policies that support the sexual health needs of older adults. This could include policies that ensure that older adults have access to affordable and quality healthcare, as well as policies that protect the rights of older adults in LGBTQ+ communities.

**Resources:**

* National Institute on Aging: https://www.nia.nih.gov/
* AARP: https://www.aarp.org/
* Sex After 60: https://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/ss/slideshow-guide-to-sex-after-60
* National Sexual Assault Hotline: https://www.rainn.org/get-help

**APA 7 References:**

* National Institute on Aging. (2023, September 28). Sexual health in older adults. Retrieved from https://www.nia.nih.gov/
* AARP. (2023, September 28). Sex and intimacy in older adults: What you need to know. Retrieved from https://www.aarp.org/
* Sex After 60. (2023, September 28). Retrieved from https://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/ss/slideshow-guide-to-sex-after-60
* National Sexual Assault Hotline. (2023, September 28). Retrieved from https://www.rainn.org/get-help

**Example of an In-Text Citation:**

Older adults with chronic pain may experience a variety of challenges to their sexual health, including reduced sexual desire and arousal, difficulty engaging in certain sexual positions or activities, and feelings of depression and anxiety (National Institute on Aging, 2023).