Introduction
Sexuality and sexual activity are key to maintaining physical and psychological health in humans. However, older adults may experience particular difficulties with sexual activity due to pathological conditions that may manifest in different ways. The purpose of this work is to discuss the pathological conditions that may affect the sexual responses of the elderly.
Pathological Conditions
Upon aging, people go through several changes in their bodies that may affect their sexual activity. Diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, arthritis, Parkinson’s disease, and other age-related changes may also affect a person’s sexual activity. Hypertension can impede adequate blood flow to the sexual system, which may lead to decreased sexual activity for both men and women. Diabetes can reduce sensitivity during intercourse and lead to exhaustion and fatigue (Sinković & Towler, 2019). Parkinson’s disease can lead to motor difficulties and coordination problems, which can also lead to decreased sexual activity.
Psychological Influences
Psychological states can also lead to changes in sexual activity in the elderly. For example, fatigue, depression, fears, and anxiety can lead to a loss of interest in sex (Sinković & Towler, 2019). It can also be difficult to enjoy sex if a person is experiencing psychological issues such as body image issues, fears, and insecurity.
Role of the Immune System
In recent years, studies have also shown that more and more older adults follow a healthy lifestyle to maintain and prolong their lives. One key component of a healthy lifestyle is a strong immune system (Edelman & Kudzma, 2021). The immune system of older adults will depend on many factors, such as diet, psychological factors, medications, and alternative and complementary medicines.
The body of an older adult is less resilient than that of a young person. Therefore, the key to maintaining an older adult’s health is diet. Older adults should eat a more varied diet to get enough nutrients. They should also take vitamins and minerals that will help improve their health and support their immune system (Edelman & Kudzma, 2021). The diet helps improve blood circulation, which benefits the immune system.
Psychological factors can also affect the immune system of older adults. The level of stress and depression can have a significant impact on the immune system. Thus, to maintain health and the immune system’s strength, it is necessary to strive for regular psychological support.
Medications
Older adults often take medications to control diseases. However, taking medications can hurt the immune system. This is because many medications can lower the immune system. Therefore, older adults should take medications only at a doctor’s recommendation.
Alternative and complementary medicines can also help support the immune system of older people. Alternative medicine can help prevent or treat diseases by supporting the immune system (Edelman & Kudzma, 2021). Some of the most popular alternative treatments are acupuncture, reflexology, and massage.
Conclusion
In conclusion, we can say that pathological conditions are one of the leading causes of loss of sexual activity in the elderly. They can be physical, psychological, or emotional, and people should take the necessary measures to overcome them. A deeper investigation and understanding of the problem are needed to develop effective strategies to overcome the difficulties that older people may face.
It may also be noted that the immune system of older adults is significantly affected by factors like nutrition, mental state, medications, and alternative or complementary treatments. These factors should be considered when providing health care for older people. The elderly should adhere to a healthy diet, regularly take medications, and have psychological support to support their immune system. Thus, the elderly can remain healthy and prolong their lives.
References
Edelman, C., & Kudzma, E. C. (2021). Health promotion throughout the life span-e-book. Elsevier Health Sciences.
Sinković, M., & Towler, L. (2019). Sexual aging: A systematic review of qualitative research on the sexuality and sexual health of older adults. Qualitative Health Research, 29(9), 1239-1254.