AUSTRALIA: Most Seniors 'Sexually Active'

BRISBANE (The Courier-Mail), October 28, 2005: Age has not wearied many Australian seniors who like a bit of action and who, if research is anything to go by, don't mind talking about it either. Queensland University of Technology's Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation will conduct a study into the intimate lives of over 65s to explore if there is an association between sexuality and mental health in the elderly. But initial research involving 35 people shows most have very active and fulfilling sex lives. "I am amazed at the level of openness I have received," said researcher Sue Gledhill. Ms Gledhill said the study aimed to debunk the myths about older-age sexuality. "This focus arises at a time when there are many myths, which can lead to society stereotyping older people as asexual," Ms Gledhill said. "However, in the absence of serious infirmity, older people can and do have an active sex life and are able to exercise sexual expression in various forms to accommodate age and health related changes." Ms Gledhill said the importance of sex did not diminish as people grew older. "There is evidence that an active and fulfilling sex life contributes to the overall wellbeing of people and this should be no different for the older population," she said. "If the sexual desires and needs of older people aren't being met this can impact on their emotional well-being which in turn may affect their health. "An increased understanding of the sexual needs of the older population may assist health professionals in addressing the total health care needs of their patients." By Sonia Koremans Copyright Queensland Newspapers