Older people and sexuality: Double jeopardy of ageism and sexism in youth-dominated societies

abstract

Sexuality is an important determinant of health and wellbeing for all ages. The capacity and desire for emotional and sexual intimacy and pleasure is important for people throughout their lives. The issue of older people and sexuality has largely been ignored with the focus being almost entirely on fertility and reproductive aspects of sexuality, thus favouring the young and reproductive individuals. Various historical and cultural contexts shape the practices and perception of older people's sexuality in Africa. What is evident is the existence of myths and prejudices that sexuality is unimportant for older people, and this concern draws our attention to the presence of ageism in this sphere of life. Further, it is crucial to underscore the double jeopardy faced by older women where they not only face prejudice due to age, but are confronted with sexism as well where sexuality of older men is more tolerated than for their female age counterparts. The ageist and sexist attitude towards older people's sexuality need to be addressed across multi-disciplinary perspectives. Negative attitudes towards older people's sexuality is not only disempowering as it is likely to inhibit open expressions of sexuality, but it can prevent healthy sexuality.

Keywords:

• Sexuality
• health
• HIV and AIDS
• ageism