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Aging and Sexual Health Reflection


Amber Truhitt
What were the key takeaway points from the guest lecture today? 

 One takeaway I have from today's lecture is the importance of remembering that many older adults do remain sexual.  With that you must also understand the changes that occur that may impact an older adults sexual responses as they age.  These can include decreased lubrication, longer refractory time, and difficulty with arousal. 
I thought it was important to remember that certain physical issues, such as diabetes, arthritis, cancer, high blood pressure, and obesity may make sexual response more difficult since many of the clients that we treat will have these.  
I found the considerations for specific suggestions very helpful.  OT can help in this area through activity pacing, energy conservation, pain management, task and work simplification, and joint protection techniques.  By helping to address underlying problems, you can help to improve their sexual health.  I feel that I have a better understanding of what can be addressed as an OT and when it might be appropriate to recommend someone see a sex therapist.    

 Describe two occupational therapy interventions based on the topic. Each intervention should address a different type of client: individual (1:1), group, or population.

Some interventions that can be done could be focused on remediating impairments that are leading to decreased participation in sexual activity.  For example, an individual intervention could be done with a client suffering from rheumatoid arthritis in the hands.  This might include educating the client on flare ups that she is likely to experience.  When she is not experiencing a flare up, you could work on increasing her ROM and keeping her joints loose.  You could also recommend heat to decrease pain and help loosen the joints, which she could implement at home using a heating pad or warm water.  

Other interventions could focus on providing education for energy conservation or positioning.  This could be done as a group, with both the client and their partner involved.  You could better evaluate what issues they are reporting that are leading to decreased participation in sexual activity.  Then you could make specific suggestions regarding positioning techniques that might work for the couple as well as providing education on areas such as energy conservation if needed.   

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