Gerontology & Geriatric Research

Sexuality education and services for lesbian, gay, and bisexual elders

International Conference on Geriatrics & Gerontology

July 08-10, 2014 DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Chicago-North Shore Conference Center, USA

Donna J Bernert & Julie Chaya

Accepted Abstracts: J Gerontol Geriat Res

Abstract:

Sexuality exists across the lifespan and it is complex at any age. Noticeably absent in the literature, however, is how aging influences sexuality during late adulthood. Physiological changes of aging that can affect sexual function have been noted, but sexuality is so much more in late adulthood than just disease and dysfunction. Sexuality still has a presence in the lives of elderly individuals and contributes to their overall quality of life. Thus, the lack of sexuality education and health services in elder care facilities (e.g., assisted living facilities, nursing homes, retirement communities) can contribute to challenging and unhealthy sexuality for older adults. This is especially true for elders who identify as lesbian, gay, or bisexual (LGB). It is estimated that the number of LGB elders will reach 4 to 6 million by the year 2030. This presentation will include a synopsis of sexual health issues of LGB elders, necessary social supports,cultural considerations for health care professionals, service barriers, and policy recommendations. The Community Readiness Model (CRM) will be proposed for initiating sexual health promotion education and services. The CRM is used to determine readiness characteristics of a community (such as a care facility) before program implementation, and then building capacity with programming in that community for support and education. Health care professionals, administrators, and educators can utilize the CRM to improve the quality of life for LGB individuals transitioning to care settings, and to ultimately create positive and proactive policies for their health and equality.

Biography :

Donna J Bernert is an Assistant Professor in health education and promotion at Kent State University. She has been a disability professional and sexuality educator for more than 25 years in public schools, universities, and community organizations. Her research interests include disability culture and diversity, sexuality, and school health education. She has published and presented internationally and nationally on developmentally appropriate, culturally sensitive, ability centered, and skills based health and sexuality education. She continues to work on the national level to improve integrated health and educational services for individuals with disabilities.