Penhollow Tina M
Department of Exercise Science & Health Promotion, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL, USA (TMP).
Am J Lifestyle Med. 2024 Oct 18:15598276241293100. doi: 10.1177/15598276241293100.
Healthcare providers play a crucial role in promoting sexual health among older adults, an important yet often neglected aspect of aging well. Although sexuality evolves beyond the reproductive years, it remains a meaningful part of life for many. Despite the natural decline in sexual activity with age, numerous older adults continue to value and engage in fulfilling sexual relationships. Unfortunately, targeted interventions to support later-life sexuality are lacking, creating gaps in care.
Sexuality in older adults is influenced by biological, psychological, and social factors. Clinicians should include comprehensive sexual health assessments, including STI screenings, as part of routine care. Providing age-appropriate sexual education and resources helps promote lifelong sexual wellness. Open communication between healthcare providers and patients is vital for addressing sexual concerns, often left unspoken due to stigma or discomfort. Additionally, adopting lifestyle medicine principles-such as balanced nutrition, regular exercise, stress management, and social connection-can enhance sexual health and overall well-being.
Specialized training for healthcare professionals on the unique aspects of older adult sexuality is essential to bridge knowledge gaps. A holistic, evidence-based approach will empower providers to better support the evolving sexual health needs of older adults, improving their quality of life.
医疗保健提供者在促进老年人的性健康方面发挥着关键作用，这是健康老龄化的一个重要但常常被忽视的方面。尽管性在生育年龄之后会有所变化，但对许多人来说，它仍然是生活中有意义的一部分。尽管随着年龄的增长性活动自然减少，但许多老年人仍然重视并参与到充实的性关系中。不幸的是，缺乏针对性的干预措施来支持晚年的性健康，导致了护理方面的差距。
老年人的性受到生物学、心理和社会因素的影响。临床医生应将包括性传播感染筛查在内的全面性健康评估纳入常规护理。提供适合年龄的性教育和资源有助于促进终身性健康。医疗保健提供者与患者之间的开放沟通对于解决性方面的问题至关重要，这些问题常常因耻辱感或不适感而未被提及。此外，采用生活方式医学原则，如均衡营养、定期锻炼、压力管理和社会联系，可以增强性健康和整体幸福感。
对医疗保健专业人员进行关于老年人性健康独特方面的专门培训对于弥合知识差距至关重要。一种全面、基于证据的方法将使提供者能够更好地支持老年人不断变化的性健康需求，提高他们的生活质量。
