“What are the experiences of sexual intimacy in people aged 75-85 in the UK in the context of partnership relationships?”

This report covers the progress relating to the study “What are the experiences of sexual intimacy in people aged 75-85 in the UK in the context of partnership relationships”. The study is undertaken as a PhD programme and reflects the 2nd year’s activities. It comprises the background, a brief rationale for the chosen research method, a synthesis of the literature, a unique definition of sexual intimacy, the recruitment strategy, recommendations, conclusions and the practice dissemination to date.

Introduction

The study is born of practice conversations with patients who revealed concerns about their sexual health and wellbeing in older age. Intuitive Inquiry is the chosen method for the study, Anderson (2011) describes intuitive inquiry as a hermeneutical circle of interpretation and explains that methodologically intuitive inquiry has been directly informed by the biblical hermeneutics of Schleiermacher, philosophical hermeneutics of Gadamer and the phenomenological and heuristic research developed by Moustakas.

Literature

The literature is set out in three main sections the physiological changes related to sexual ageing, the barriers to sexual intimacy and the enablers. Physiological changes detailed include the effects of hormone reduction, urinary incontinence, prostatism and increased prevalence of cancers related to sexual organs. The barriers to sexual intimacy include, partner availability, media portrayals, psychological factors, relationship factors, access to advice from health care professionals, religion, medication. The enablers to sexual intimacy include culture, information and medication.

Recruitment

The recruitment strategy has included a wide variety of approaches based on a multi-faceted design which included the use of personal communication, distributing leaflets and flyers and asking assistance from third parties. This mixed approach allows some anonymity of those people who would want to participate but wish to maintain privacy, participants have an opportunity to write, telephone and email. Additionally participants can engage in in depth face to face interviews. The data collection is ongoing currently 28 people have participated in the study. Recruitment has been difficult and has required careful reflection.

Conclusions – from the Literature

Sexual intimacy in older age is a poorly understood but significant part of older people’s lives. Interactions with healthcare professionals have a significant role in supporting consensual sexual intimacy in older age particularly as cultural norms provide a negative image of ageing in general and sexual intimacy in particular. This study plans to address these issues using intuitive inquiry as the research method.

Dissemination

The literature review and recommendations have been disseminated through a number of conferences and a publication. An additional paper drawing on some of literature has focussed on skin health and older people and an article is currently being prepared to explore the implications of facial hair and sexuality in older women living in care homes.