Aging and Sexual Health

     Our guest speaker on Aging and Sexual Health was very well-informed on the topic and made something that can be uncomfortable to talk about a little less awkward. One of the main takeaways I got from this lecture was that it's important for OTs to address sexual health with older adults and to refer them to a sex therapist if needed.
     One intervention that OTs can address with an individual client in regard to this topic is, if the client has stated they feel socially isolated, to discuss with the client possible leisure activities and social participation occupations that might help them find a romantic partner (MacRae, 2013). The OT and client can brainstorm hobbies that the client enjoys and then find groups that they may be able to join where they could meet others with similar interests. It would be important to stress to the client that they must behave appropriately with other group members though, and let relationships form naturally.
     A population intervention is to create an educational inservice that can be shared regarding safe sex practices. This may be particularly useful in nursing homes in that it might make the residents feel more comfortable discussing safe sex.
     While it may be uncomfortable for OTs, especially new grads, to talk about sexual health with our clients, there may be times when the client needs someone to address it and we are the only person that the client feels like they can talk to. Because of this, it is an area that we must have at least a basic knowledge on and have others to refer to if needed.