Psychoeducational Intervention for Sexuality with the Aged, Family Members of the Aged, and People Who Work with the Aged

Abstract

Sexual attitudes, knowledge, and behavior have been shown to be a life-long pattern of evolving behavior without a clear beginning and ending. Older persons were educated and socialized in an environment that viewed sexuality as a procreative activity appropriate only for married persons in the child bearing years, thus neglecting the interpersonal and individual aspects of sexuality. A sexual psychoeducational intervention was conducted and evaluated with older persons, adult family members of older persons, and staff members of nursing homes. Results indicated significant changes in attitudes toward and knowledge about sexuality and aging and sexual behavior.