Sexual Health & Aging

What were the key takeaway points from the guest lecture today? Describe two occupational therapy interventions based on the topic. Each intervention should address a different type of client: individual (1:1), group, or population.

Key takeaways

Although we learned a lot about intercourse, stimulation, and available tools to assist with sexual performance, I am going to list what I learned for future practice.

1. As an OT, we need to be prepared to discuss sexual health and likely be the first healthcare professional to ask about this activity.
2. We can make it a more comfortable conversation through professionally using the proper terminology and letting them share what their comfortable with.  Not pushing!
3. Use the PLISSIT model when discussing sexual function/health
4. There is adaptive equipment that can be used such as a wedge pillow to raise a woman up for a partner who is in a wheelchair & a blanket that is comfortable but protects bedding from potential bladder incontinence.
5. We can address psychological, physical, and social components of sexual health with our clients, generally.  For instance, we can address barriers to engagement, adaptive equipment, breaking the ice on the topic for a client with a recent injury, etc.  We should refer to a sex specialist for specific options for clients to enhance sexual performance, components of cognitive thinking about sex, and the specific processes of sexual performance that are out of our scope.

Interventions

Individual: In a treatment session with a client who sustained a SCI, I could ask the client if they would like to discuss the area of sexual health or had any questions for me.  I could provide assistance in the area of thinking of any adaptive equipment the individual may need to engage in sexual activity.  For each client, there will be different strategies to positioning, adaptive equipment needed, and even energy conservation techniques where we can plan their sexual activities for when they're most energized.  If my client did not want to discuss the topic, I could at least offer to provide resources for them but I want to ensure I've opened that door with them so when they're ready, they will come to me with questions.  If the questions go beyond my expertise, I can refer my client to a sex therapist who can aid in the specifics and different components of sexual activity.

Community: I think OT has a role in educating community-dwelling older adults in the positive impacts of sexual activity on health.  Since sex is considered an occupation and something we should all engage in and feel to be meaningful, OT's could help spread the word.  In a nearby community, there is an organization of active, older women called Forever Young.  This group works out together, has social events, and attend all sorts of outings together.  One day, an OT could host a luncheon addressing the promotion of safe, sexual health and the positive things that happen inside the body after sexual activity.  I could describe the physiological aspects such as relieved tension, promotion of joint health, engaging the cardiovascular system, and relieving stress.  Next, we could address the positive impact sexual activity can have on a relationship with a spouse who they may feel disconnected from.  Even further, we could discuss the practice of safe sex and techniques older adults could use to make it a more positive, less exhausting experience for them.