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conferenceseries
.com
Volume 7, Issue 5 (Suppl)
J Palliat Care Med, an open access journal
ISSN: 2165-7386
Geriatrics 2017
September 4-5, 2017
September 4-5, 2017 | Edinburgh, Scotland
Geriatrics Gerontology & Palliative Nursing
7
th
International Conference on
HEATAND SPICE IN LATER YEARS OF LIFE
Varsha Reddy Jayar
a
, T K Biswas
a
and
Dattatrai More
a
a
M G M Institute of Health Sciences, India
Background:
Society tends to hold the idea that older people simply do not participate in or enjoy sex as much as younger people.
Sexual function and activity in old age have been inadequately studied the world over. It is important to know that aging processes are
not confined to persons beyond the age of 60 years; many changes in the elderly have their antecedents in the middle age. One study
even showed that a significant amount of the elderly has pronounced their sex lives over at around age 50 to 60. Although sex might
not be as taboo as it used to be, the idea of sex as one gets older is still clouded with myths and uncertainty.
Aims:
This study determines the patterns of sexual activity and function in individuals over 60 years of age. It also discusses the
barriers such as chronic illness, cultural barriers and myths that may interfere with sexual function.
Materials and Methods:
A study of subjects above the age of 60 years from a senior citizens group in the outpatient department of
Geriatric Medicine (OPD) of MGM a teaching hospital in Mumbai, by interviewing 200 individuals who attended the OPDs, after
taking their informed consent. Socio-demographic and other information on their sexual function and activities were obtained. Data
was analyzed using statistical package for social sciences v15.
Results:
72% individuals above 60 were sexually active, while only 57% above 70 were active. Others had become completely abstinent
at some time in their lives. Statistical analysis revealed significant gender, health and educational status based differences in the
sample.
Conclusion:
Many factors support the myth that older people are asexual: limited access to information from their youth to the
present day, the physiological changes connected to aging itself, religious precepts and family oppression. However, further studies
and actions directed at this population are important to promote the health of the elderly. Our study showed significant presence of
sexual desire, activity and function even after the age of 60 years; a decline by the age of 70 and above was a finding that reflected more
in women. Chronic illness did affect sexual function and desire.
Biography
Varsha Reddy (International Healthcare Management), a Post graduate student of M.D Geriatric Medicine has been associated with Geriatric healthcare delivery
across United Kingdom and India. She has managerial experience in NHS in Heartlands Hospital Birmingham, George Elliot Hospital Nuneaton and Whippscross
Hospital London, where she contributed voluntary services in holistic healing promoting wellness. While pursuing MD Geriatric Medicine in M.G.M Institute of Health
Sciences, Navi Mumbai ; she pioneered the “Helping Hands” program which focuses on senior citizen self support groups which deliver peer assistance within
the community providing philanthropic services. She has initiated efforts in Tele-medicine, Polypharmacy and contingency management approaches for Geriatric
care with special interest in sexuality in elderly, communication skills with elderly and Geriatric cosmetology. She is the recipient of the Ministry of Health Award for
Volunteer work in Earthquake Relief, in addition to the many accolades for sports and educational achievement.
varsha.jayar@gmail.comVarsha Reddy Jayar et al., J Palliat Care Med 2017, 7:5(Suppl)
DOI: 10.4172/2165-7386-C1-011