Sexual health guide
Published on 13 April 2012 07:30 AM
Age Cymru has published a sexual health and wellbeing booklet for over 50s.
‘Sexual health' is a fact-filled, informative and often light-hearted look at sex for the baby boomer generation.
Our Health Initiatives Officer, Joanne Bass explains:
"Whether you're male, female, transgender, bisexual, gay or lesbian, if you are over 50 this booklet is for you.
"'Sexual health' has been written to give the baby boomer generation the information and support they need to maintain and achieve good sexual health and wellbeing.
"It covers a range of different subjects including the various health issues relating to sexual wellbeing.
"The booklet also looks in detail at the matters surrounding relationships - from people wanting, finding and starting new relationships; moving on from relationships; people in relationships and single people.
"It is a very enjoyable and interesting read and while it won't make you an expert it might answer some questions for you and your friends."
‘Sexual health' covers issues including
• New relationships - including coming out as lesbian, gay or bisexual in later life;
• Getting into the dating game - covering getting fit and healthy; friendship, closeness and fun;
• Sexually transmitted infections - including getting help; HIV; sexual health and alcohol;
• Women's health - looking at cervical health; breast care; ovarian cancer; menopause and more;
• Men's health - including erectile problems, causes and treatments and the prostate gland;
• Bereavement - and what might help;
The booklet also contains a list of contact details of useful organisation and insightful anecdotes from over 50s about their experiences of sex.
Joanne Bass concludes:
"The sexual health needs of over 50s are often ignored because of outdated ageist perceptions that over 50s no longer have sex, however research shows that people right up into their 80s are more sexually active nowadays.
"We hope this booklet can address this problem and give older people the information they want to know about their own sexual wellbeing and the confidence to ask for help if they need it."