Knowledge and attitudes about later life sexuality: What clinicians need to know about helping the elderly

In the family therapy field we have often overlooked the elderly and in par ticular addressing sexual concerns within the context of couples therapy wi th the elderly (Van Amburg, Barber, & Zimmerman, 1996). The projected life- span elf the elderly has increased due to improvements in medical technolog y and due to a better quality of life which promotes longevity. Included in this paper are the specific age-related physical, emotional, and sexual ch anges common in later life as well as a clinical case vignette of an elderl y couple presenting with a sexual issue. Current sexuality education progra ms for the elderly are reviewed as well as clinical implications for therap ists who treat the elderly.