Sexual expression and sexual practices in long-term residential facilities for older people

Abstract

The chapter analyses barriers that older people living in long term care institutions face to express their sexual interest. It highlights how their health profile (diseases, medications) and generational experiences of such populations hinder sexual expression in institutions and discusses the key role of attitudes (staff, residents and family attitudes) and models of care. The chapter also reviews how different forms of sexual behaviour have particular challenges, and the special difficulties that certain populations (e.g. people with dementia or non-heterosexual older people) may have to continue being sexually active when living in a long-term care institution. Finally, the chapter considers the practical implications of research in this area for favouring sexual expression and guaranteeing the sexual rights of older people living in residential settings