Counseling and therapy for sexual problems in the elderly.

The case of Bill and Emily dramatically illustrates that stereotypes about aging and sexuality can be very wrong and can negatively influence how elderly patients both think and act sexually. These stereotypes can also lead to gross errors in clinical management of the sexual concerns of elderly patients and to treatment of the elderly with less than humanistic concerns for their sexual needs. It is to be hoped that in the future, helping professionals will consider sexuality as a priority in their work with elderly patients.