Sexuality and the Chronically Ill Older Adult: A Social Justice Issue

Sexuality can give an embellished meaning to life. Attitudes toward sexuality have generated devaluing reactions from society regarding older adults. These actions have relegated sexuality to be invisible. As the proportion of the older population, relative to the younger generation increases, and as chronic health problems become more prevalent nurses will encounter more elderly people with sexual concerns. Nurses, educated in the field of gerontology and sexuality, are in a favorable position to assess the older adult and to provide health teaching and sexual counselling regarding the sexual concerns of the older adult. Nursing research and policy development are complementary avenues whereby sexuality can be made more visible for the older adult who is experiencing chronic illness. These nursing strategies will facilitate the recognition of the elderly and their rights. These rights need to be respected and exercised to promote social justice in order to enhance their quality of life.