Senior Sexuality
America is growing older. Today, one in eight people is over age 65. By the year 2030, the number will approach one in five. As America grows older, we must offer education programming which suits our aging population. One area that is often overlooked for our older community members is HIV/AIDS prevention. While many efforts are made to educate our youth about this life-threating disease, our fifty-and-over population has seen more diagnosed cases of AIDS than those who are twenty-four and younger. The number of AIDS cases among those fifty and older has increased more than twice as fast as those among younger adults since 1991.
Given that older people who have sex with multiple partners are less likely than younger adults to use condoms or to get tested for HIV, the chances of becoming infected are much greater.
At one of Planned Parenthood of East Central Michigan's Senior Sexuality: Beyond the Birds and the Bees seminars, a participant wrote what he learned from the experience: "Be careful [when you] go at it." Another learned that "sex can go on for life." These are important revelations from a group that has been all but neglected in the realm of sexuality education.
But, thanks to Planned Parenthood's innovative program, seniors are getting the information they need to carry on safe, satisfying sexual lives. And, it comes in the wake of a recent study from the Center for Disease Control which has identified senior citizens as the second highest risk group in the United States for contracting HIV.
This program is designed for older adults, particularly those who are 50 years and older. From this, participants will learn they can implement safe sex practices and still enjoy themselves.
Classes are held at the sponsoring organization's location or, if there is enough interest from individuals, a class can be offered at Planned Parenthood.
Senior Sexuality: Beyond the Birds and the Bees has been developed to provide seniors with comprehensive sexual health information and activities.
Educational components include:
- Physiological and psychological changes that occur in later adulthood
- Strategies for increased pleasure
- Comfortable sex for individuals with arthritis and other medical conditions
- Erectile dysfunction, Viagra and other solutions
- Identification of medications that adversely impact sexuality
- HIV risk and prevention
Seminars are approximately two hours long and include a beverage and a snack. One staff member and one mature adult volunteer will present the material in a way that will make the audience comfortable and allow for group participation and questions.
All participants will be given a coupon to receive a free HIV test, administered by a state certified HIV test counselor, at Planned Parenthood's Flint site.
Participants will also receive a goody bag with brochures, condoms, and lubricant.
For further information call (810) 238-3631, ext. 326.
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