The Sexual Revolution's Last Frontier: How Silence About Sex Undermines Health, Well-Being, and Safety in Old Age

Our ageist attitudes toward sex in old age impede the quality of life and the detection and prevention of elder sexual abuse. When sexual abuse is alleged or suspected, responders rarely ask the right questions or take the appropriate steps to assist victims, preserve evidence, or comply with report...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Generations (San Francisco, Calif.) Calif.), 2012-10, Vol.36 (3), p.43-52
Main Authors: Connolly, Marie-Therese, Breckman, Risa, Callahan, Jean, Lachs, Mark, Ramsey-Klawsnik, Holly, Solomon, Joy
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Age
Aging
Criminal Justice
Domestic violence
Elderly
Health
Health Problems
Mens health
Older people
Prejudice
Reporting requirements
Sex crimes
Sexuality
Silence
Studies
taking action against elder abuse
Well Being
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Summary:Our ageist attitudes toward sex in old age impede the quality of life and the detection and prevention of elder sexual abuse. When sexual abuse is alleged or suspected, responders rarely ask the right questions or take the appropriate steps to assist victims, preserve evidence, or comply with reporting requirements. The legal, medial, social, ethical, and practical issues at the intersection of aging and cognitive incapacity are rarely addressed, so practitioners and families have little guidance. Recent studies demonstrate a far greater interest in intimacy among elders than is assumed. Elder abuse prevalence studies also show more incidences than has been assumed. Once all parties accept that there is both intimacy between elders and abuse in facilities and elsewhere, they will be better able to pursue perpetrators and ensure quality of life for all elders.
ISSN:0738-7806
2694-5126