Aging and Women’s Sexuality

Aging and Womens sexLiqi LiuThe World wellness Organization regards versed health as a state of physical, mental, emotional and affable upbeat related to intimateity (Woloski-Wruble et al., 2010). It is non limited to the absence of disease, infirmity dys attend or the mere battlefront of sexual intercourse exertion. These factors argon a reflection of a palmy age model that incorporates physical well being reflected by a low susceptibility to disease. It in like manner includes social and emotional well-being associated with agile eng mount upment with emotional state and mental well being exhibited by a high capacity for physical and cognitive function. sex activity is an essential office of health at all developmental be ons and an important aspect of brio satisfaction (Kalra, Subramanyam, Pinto, 2011). The factors that submit the sexuality of women in their plaza and sexagenarian age argon socio-cultural, feminine, medical, political, economic factors (Bi rkhauser, 2009) and international factors. other influencing factors include social representations of sexuality, physiological conditions, and relationship factors (Ringa, Diter, Laborde, Bajos, 2013).Cultural praxiss play a critical role in determining sexuality (Shea, 2011). In China, roughlywhat clinical educators grab sexual activities in middle and old age a taboo. Other health professionals view womens feudal attitudes as the main obstacle to sexual liberation. The trade in womens social status due to higher education, participation in the labor force and change magnitude use of contraception has intensified sexual activity. These activities within the social environment vastly affect the womens responses to their agedness process. Other contributing factors include improvement of living standards and life forethought (Ringa, Diter, Laborde, Bajos, 2013).Health is another key factor affecting sexuality in middle and aged women (Birkhauser, 2009). Cardiovascular d isease in postmenopausal women affects their physical, social and usual well being. This leads to deterioration of tint of life and adds on the negative establishs of climacteric (Birkhauser, 2009). Access to health is determined by the financial capability of the women and enabling political framework.Contrary to popular belief, the menopausal status is not a risk factor in sexual dysfunction. In virtually instances, it led to low sexual desire. Several studies have shown that women past the age of 50 be still sexually active (Ringa, Diter, Laborde, Bajos, 2013). This essay aims to assess the various factors that affect sexuality in older women.BackgroundThe worlds aging population is increasing, as the current life expectancy is increasing. The life expectancy of women in Israel estimated at 82 years (Woloski-Wruble et al., 2010). About a ordinal of womens life is lived after cessation of menstruation. China constitutes the worlds largest old and elderly population. Ap proximately iodin-fifth of the worlds elderly population and a posterior of the middle-aged population live in China. In 2010, 381.6 million flock were between the ages of 40 and 59 period an estimate of 170.9 people was to a higher place 60 years of age (Shea, 2011).Demographic studies project a fast increase in these proportions over the next several decades. By 2050, it is anticipate that 35.4% of the population in China will be above 60 years of age (Shea, 2011). As such, understanding the needs, desires and capabilities of this group is of paramount importance.As of now, very few studies have focused on sexuality in the elderly and the existing literature contains contradictory information. For instance, some studies indicate that hormonal epitopes have no effect on the sexual drive slice others show a correlation between hormonal changes and sexual activity. Hence, just studies would greatly help in ascertaining assertions that sexual life is an important determina nt of satisfaction in life (Shea, 2011).Cultural FactorsCertain cultural norms are the cause of negative attitudes towards sexuality in older people. In some Western cultures, men are considered ready for sexual activity at a younger age than women (Woloski-Wruble et al., 2010). They alike claim that women become vegetal with age. However, women have in the recent time challenged this view and regarded sex as extremely important (Woloski-Wruble et al., 2010). Research has focused on the sexual dysfunction that is likely to occur after menopausal transition rather than the pattern spectrum of normal activities due to the changes arising from hormonal changes. However, it is worth to note that menopause does not necessarily result in sexopause.The belief that sexual activity rock-bottom with age was held since sexuality was limited to intercourse. In recent years, sexuality has been broadened to stiff any sexual arousing activity (Woloski-Wruble et al., 2010). Using this broader definition, studies have shown that women remain sexually active even in old age. An intimate relationship is unity(a) factor influencing sexuality in older women. Being able to palm their expectations would enhance life satisfaction.The Chinese culture is marked by trinity traditions Confucianism, Buddhism and Daoism (Shea, 2011). The Confucian tradition advocated for sex for a married couple and notwithstanding for the purpose of reproduction. Otherwise, it regarded other sexual activities as unrespectful and undignified. Buddhist taught that in post to enjoy perfect peace, one had to give up worldly pleasures and desires. As such, sexual activity beyond the purpose of reproduction was viewed as distracting one from their improvement. Daoist on the other hand regard sex as ill and self-defeating as it makes men lose their semen (Shea, 2011).A necessitate conducted in China showed that a third of the studied population was of the assessment that sex later in life was unhea lthy or abnormal. It also showed a correlation between the womens attitude and the sexual activity. The women who viewed sex as normal were more likely to study in sexual activities. Further, the women with validatory attitudes led healthy relationships with their spouses. The study also suggested that the household composition such as the number of family members and number of generations contributed to the sexual activity later in life (Shea, 2011).Social FactorsWomen from different regions view menopause differently(Birkhauser, 2009). In the Muslim culture, menstruation is regarded as impurity. Hence, menopausal women gain a higher social status. It is therefore regarded as a happy event that calls for a celebration. In some cases, this is not the case, and hormonal therapy is considered in order to improve diligent outcomes. Hormonal therapy provides symptomatic relief and restores sexual activity (Birkhauser, 2009).Hormonal therapy should also be recommended for women with c ardiovascular events unless there are associated risks. Some cultures do not allow bleeding and hence alternative medicine is sought to slake the symptoms while allowing only the desired amenorrhea.The effect of the natural products has not been sufficiently studied (Birkhauser, 2009).Medical FactorsThe state of health influences the level of sexual activity (Birkhauser, 2009). Women who are of an advanced in age and are in brusque state of health are less likely to engage in sexual activities. During the management of somatic diseases, clinicians often neglect the implications for sexual life and hence go undiagnosed (Maciel Lagana, 2014). These problems may cause the patient to be socially withdrawn and result in depression. Cardiovascular diseases are one major cause of reduced activity. Women who suffered from myocardial infarction do not lead a sexually active life (Kalra, Subramanyam, Pinto, 2011).Besides cardiac problems, elderly women may suffer from physical disabiliti es that affect the motor function (DeLamater Moorman, 2007). This group of patients experience pain and discomfort in sexual activities and are likely to withdraw. In addition, patients may suffer low libido and unwillingness to engage in foreplay (Woloski-Wruble et al., 2010).Feminine FactorsHormonal changes that occur during the onset of menopause result in vagina dryness and, as a result, affect sexual satisfaction (Lindau, Schumm, Laumann, 2008). However, several studies in this area found no correlation between menopausal state and sexual activity (Ringa, Diter, Laborde, Bajos, 2013). Perimenopausal women have increased levels of masturbation suggesting that hormonal changes do not hinder penetrative intercourse. However, some studies have reported that menopausal changes have a negative effect on the sexual life. These inconsistencies could be due to different characteristics of samples used in the different studies(Ringa, Diter, Laborde, Bajos, 2013).Political FactorsOlde r women have few sources of funds to put up for insurance premiums and taxes(WHO, 2007). Inadequate finances may result in delays to taste medical attention following illness. The developing disease compromises the state of health and affects sexual activities. Hence women living regions in which the health policies promote accessibility to health run regardless of the ability to pay enjoy telling health and hence healthy sexual health. It is the duty of each plain to develop the best mix of policies in healthcare, income and social services in order to safeguard the well-being and health of older women (WHO, 2007).Economic Factors beggary is a key player in compromising the health of aging women. Worldwide, women have lower participation in the labor force and are often underpaid as compared to men of equal qualifications. Older women receive work in low-paying and part-time jobs. Insufficient funds limit the ability of old women to access the most basic needs such as health care, encourage and food. It is estimated that 70% of the women in the world live below the poverty military control of less than US $ 1 a day (WHO, 2007). A large number of these are found in the developing countries. These income inequities compromise the well-being of the elderly women and, as a result, their sexual health is affected.ConclusionA satisfactory sexual life is an essential component of good quality of life. However, Sexual activity changes with age and may affect the quality of life. The factors that influence these changes include state of health, socio-cultural values political and economic factors. Different regions practice different traditions that may affect how women in their menopausal age view sexual activities. Some practices limit sexual activity for reproduction purposes while in some cultures sexuality is liberal.One of the major health factors is cardiovascular events. Myocardial infarction leads to depression and anxiety. These factors affect sexual satisfaction and hence decrease sexual activity. While managing these conditions, it is essential that the healthcare providers engage the patients on sexual health. The level of economic empowerment determines the accessibility of social services such as health. Since older women have fewer financial resources, the responsibility policy mix should be adopted to enhance accessibility to health services and other amenities.RecommendationsIt is of utmost importance to give sexuality issues in the older population priority same as the other life-sustaining needs. Therefore, health professionals should formulate interventions aimed at improving sexual health in menopausal women (Taylor Gosney, 2011). A participatory approach would lead to meaningful interventions, as it would allow the professionals to understand the perception of the different women to sexual satisfaction. It would also visualize that the designed interventions help the women in arriving at successful aging (Shea, 2011).An abridgment shows that the present literature is based on speculation rather than facts. health care professionals should carry out participatory research involving women of different ethnic groups, age, and languages. development of evidence-based knowledge would aid in understanding the different aspects that constitute sexual satisfaction among older women. It would also help in designing of group-specific interventions aimed at improving the quality of life (Woloski-Wruble et al., 2010).ReferenceBirkhauser, M. (2009). Quality of Life and sexual urge Issues in Aging Women. Climacteric, 52-57.DeLamater, J., Moorman, S. (2007). Sexual Behaviour in Later Life. journal of Aging and Health, doi.10.1177.Kalra, G., Subramanyam, A., Pinto, C. (2011). Sexuality Desire, Activity and Intimacy in the Elderly. 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