Question one: Do you think there is a difference for older adults in choosing solitude versus being isolated? Explain in detail.
For older adults, the choice between ‘solitude’ and isolation’ lies in the definition of the two terms. In the term ‘solitude’ it depicts a choice that arises from an inner yearning to be alone, while in the term ‘isolation’ the seniors are systematically and actively avoided and set apart from the general population. The difference in these two ‘situations’ thus ceases being one of abstract construct but of concrete occurrence that pits choice against the externality of social behavior.
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Question Two: Consider the older adult who lives in the community by themselves. What opportunities exist for that person to have periods of solitude and periods of engagement?
Opportunities for seniors are heavily reliant on different factors such as their health, societal acceptance, family support, culture, among many other factors. Culture and traditional values play a huge role as they define the attitudes that the seniors hold towards the society and hence influence the choice they make in seeking solitude and period of engagements. In South American society where there is acceptance of seniors, the choice between solitude and engagement becomes more reliant on the seniors, whereas in a society like the United States one where acceptance is minimal, then the choice is very much limited.
Question Three: Why may spirituality become increasingly important to people as they age, and do you think these needs are easy or difficult to meet for older adults?
Mowat (2004) defines ageing as a journey that encompasses one's search for meaning, balance, integration and reconciliation.in his works, Vandeecreek (1995) integrates spirituality to ageing in the understanding that as one grows older “meaning-making” and “review of life” becomes critical spiritual processes that are usually manifested in different forms. The difficulty in meeting these spiritual needs depends on one’s spiritual history as it regards to the importance of faith and belief in a religious entity, and how they think it relates to them.
Question Four: What attitudes and actions of health care providers can have a negative effect on the sexuality of older adults? What can have a positive effect?
Limited information and knowledge as it regards sexual health issues affecting seniors and cultural attitudes as it regards to sex and older adult negatively influence the interaction between the two groups. The social, traditional and cultural expectation of sex talk being a taboo hinders such an interaction with most caregivers/medics (81%) opting for the elderly to initiate such a conversation ( Dogan et al. 2008) . To address this challenge, educating both the elderly and those in the healthcare industry will go a long way in having a positive effect.
Question Five: List and explain 6 factors that can interfere with sexual function in late life.
Chronic pain – pain, especially one that is persistence, can have a very great impact on any form of intimacy one may want to have, and when chronic pain starts due to old age, sexual function is severely affected.
Demetria – people with dementia show an increment in interest in sex but lack the ability to judge what appropriate sexual behavior is. This usually affects sexual interaction between elderly couple and consequentially affect their sexual function as a couple.
Diabetes – diabetes, most of the time, causes erectile dysfunction in men, with women developing a yeast infection. This usually affects sexual function among elderly persons
Heart disease – the hardening and narrowing of arteries affect blood flow which greatly affects arousal among the elderly. More so, the fear that sexual activity may initiate a heart attack greatly affect their desire to engage in it.
Incontinence – the loss of bladder control, especially among women as they grow older, add to the challenge of wanting to engage in sexual activity. Any pressure to the belly can cause urine loss, and this affects their confidence a lot thus affecting their probability of engaging in sex.
Stroke – the occurrence of stroke and the effect it has on one’s physicality and mental awareness has a great impact on sexual activity.
References
Dogan, S., Demir, B., Eker, E., & Karim, S. (2008). Knowledge and attitudes of doctors toward the sexuality of older people in Turkey. Int Psychogeriatric . 2008 Oct; 20(5):1019-27
Mowat, H. (2008). The potential for efficacy of healthcare chaplaincy and spiritual care provision in the NHS (UK) . Report available from NHS Education Scotland, Health care chaplaincy department
Vandecreek, L. (Ed) (1995). Research in pastoral care and counseling: readings in research . Journal of Pastoral Care Publications
