Sexual Issues in Special Populations: Geriatric Oncology – Sexuality and Older Adults

Objective

To provide an overview of sexuality and sexual expression in older adult cancer survivors and to outline implications for nursing and interdisciplinary practice.

Data Sources

Research articles, abstracts, reviews, and clinical expertise.

Conclusion

Unique features of sexuality in late life provide evidence to support clinical exploration of sexuality for older adult cancer survivors. Approaches to intervention with older adult cancer survivors are predicated on adaptation of best practices in sexuality and sexual health to create care that is sensitive to age and generation. Targeted research in sexuality for older adult cancer survivors includes intimacy, relationship, sexual experience, and imbedded sexual behavior.

Implications for Nursing Practice

Nurses can improve the care of older adults with cancer by careful consideration of intimacy and sexuality using standards of practice with younger adults integrated with understanding of issues unique to later life.

Keywords: Cancer, older adult, sexuality, intimacy