Sexuality, Intimacy, and Group Psychotherapy with Older Adults

ABSTRACT

Sexuality is an intrinsic part of life but late-life sexuality is a neglected topic in the literature. With an aging society, groups will contain more older adults. It is important for group therapists to reflect on their attitudes when working with older group members. This paper examines how both the attitudes of society in general and of therapists regarding late-life sexuality and intimacy may contribute to the neglect of these subjects being discussed in group therapy.

Acknowledgments

The author gratefully acknowledges the suggestions made by several colleagues, George Saiger, Allan Sheps, Mark Schramm, and Elaine Cooper.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Kenneth M. Schwartz

Kenneth M. Schwartz is an Assistant Professor at the University of Toronto Department of Psychiatry, and a Psychiatrist at Baycrest Health Sciences, Toronto, Canada.