Sexuality and the chronically ill older adult: A social justice issue

Sexuality can give all embellished meaning to life. Attitudes toward sexual ity have generated devaluing reactions from society regarding older adults. These actions have relegated sexuality to be invisible. As the proportion of the older population, relative to the younger generation increases, and as chronic health problems become more prevalent nurses will encounter more elderly people with sexual concerns. Nurses, educated irt the field of ger ontology and sexuality, are in a favorable position to assess the older adu lt and to provide health teaching and sexual counselling regarding the sexu al concerns of the older adult. Nursing research and policy development are complementary avenues whereby sexuality call be made more visible for the older adult who is experiencing chronic illness. These nursing strategies w ill facilitate the recognition of the elderly and their rights. These right s need to be respected and exercised to promote social justice in order to enhance their quality of life.