An understanding, accepting attitude can help promote a more comfortable discussion of sexuality. Try to be sensitive to verbal and other cues. Don’t assume that an older patient is no longer sexually active, does not care about sex, or necessarily is heterosexual. In fact, research has found that a majority of older Americans are sexually active and view intimacy as an important part of life. Depending on indications earlier in the interview, you may decide to approach the subject directly (for example, “Are you satisfi ed with your sex life?” ) or more obliquely with allusions to changes that sometimes occur in marriage. If appropriate, follow up on patient cues. You might note that patients sometimes have concerns about their sex life and then wait for a response. It is also effective to share anonymous anecdotes about a person in a similar situation or to raise the issue in the context of physical fi ndings talking about sensitive subjects 31
For more information on sexuality, contact:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
1600 Clifton Road
Atlanta, GA 30333
1-800-232-4636 (toll-free)
www.cdc.gov/hiv/topics/over50
Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research www.mayoclinic.com/health/sexual-health/HA00035
This website has articles about sexual health and sexuality for adults age 50 and older.
Sexuality Information and Education Council of the United States 90 John Street, Suite 402
New York, NY 10038
1-212-819-9770
www.siecus.org
(for example, “Some people taking this medication have trouble . . .
Have you experienced anything like that?” ). Don’t forget to talk with your patient about the importance of safe sex. For example, “It’s been a while since your husband died. If you are considering dating again, would you like to talk about how to have safe sex?” Any person, regardless of age, who is not in a long-term relationship with a faithful partner and has unprotected sex, is at risk of sexually transmitted disease.