Clinical Perspectives on Elderly Sexuality / Edition 1

by Jennifer L. Hillman

Overview

Throughout my clinical training and practice, I have been surprised by the number of times that sexual issues have emerged as an unexpectedly central feature in my work with older adults. I can vividly remember my own internal reaction on hearing one of my elderly female patients tell me that she was date raped a few years after the death of her elderly husband-when she was 68 years old. I can see in my mind's eye the blood splattered on the floor of an inpatient unit from an elderly man who smashed his arm through a window, furious that his antidepressant medication made it impossible to climax through masturbation. On a much less dramatic but equally important note, I think about the elderly amputee who told me softly about his fears of resuming sexual activity with his wife of 25 years. I also think about the elderly woman whose inability to take herself shopping to find fashionable, comfortable clothes to fit over her hunched shoulders and large breasts helped precipitate a serious depression. In sum, I learned early on that elderly sexuality is not just about how many times a week someone makes love. It is my hope that sharing these experiences and introducing the related theories, research, and interventions will assist other clinicians in dealing with these often challenging and clinically demanding situations. Without my patients, this text would not have been possible.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781441933386
Publisher:	Springer US
Publication date:	12/07/2010
Series:	Issues in the Practice of Psychology
Edition description:	Softcover reprint of hardcover 1st ed. 2000
Pages:	206
Product dimensions:	6.10(w) x 9.25(h) x 0.24(d)

About the Author

Hillman, Jennifer L. (Pennsylvania State Univ)

Table of Contents

Preface. 1. An Introduction to Elderly Sexuality. 2. Knowledge of Elderly Sexuality. 3. Attitudes toward Elderly Sexuality. 4. Elderly Sexuality within an Institutional Context. 5. Elderly Sexuality and Disability. 6. HIV/AIDS among Older Adults. 7. Women's issues in elderly sexuality. 8. Men's Issues in Elderly Sexuality. 9. Elderly Sexuality in Traditional and Non-Traditional Relationships. 10. Looking to the Future of Elderly Sexuality.

Editorial Reviews

'This text is well suited for professionals working with the elderly and will enhance the understanding of all who read it, including the elderly themselves and their caretakers and families.'
A Journal of Reviews and Commentary in Mental Health

From the Publisher

Hillman (Pennsylvania State U.) brings together research findings, clinical case studies, and specific guidelines for assessment and intervention in the field of elderly sexuality. She discusses body image and eating disorders, HIV, the long term impact of sexual trauma in later life, sexuality in institutional settings, sexuality for partners of older adults with dementia and other chronic illnesses, traditional and nontraditional relationships, and information about medications that can cause sexual dysfunction. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

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