Clinical Perspectives on Elderly Sexuality

With the growth of the older adult population and the increasing need for healthcare providers with geriatric training, students and practitioners must become familiar with the multifaceted issues of elderly sexuality. This text features a combination of research findings, clinical case studies and specific guidelines for assessment and intervention. A variety of topics typically neglected in this population, such as body image and eating disorders, HIV, the long-term impact of sexual trauma in late life, sexuality in institutional settings, sexuality for partners of older adults with dementia and other chronic illnesses, traditional and non-traditional relationships, and information about medications that can cause sexual dysfunction are reviewed in detail. In addition, practitioners are given practical suggestions for interviewing older adults about sexual issues, working with character-disordered older adults, managing sexualized transference in the therapeutic relationship, mediating conflict between professionals on interdisciplinary teams, and assessing HIV and HIV-induced dementia. This volume will be of interest to both clinicians and students of psychology, social work, gerontology, sociology, and physical therapy.