Rhonda Nay Director Gerontic Nursing Clinical School & Australian Centre for Evidence Based Aged

Sexuality, health care and the older person: an overview of the literature Abstract. This paper reviews recent literature around sexuality, health care and the older person. The construction of sexuality and the importance of sexuality to older people are discussed, as is sexual diversity in old age, and sexuality and health. Also discussed are the myths and stereotypes associated with this topic, and the medical, social, healthcare, and institutional barriers to sexuality and sexual health in later life. Key words: health care, older people, Sexuality Aim The aim of this paper is to review sexuality in the context of older people so that nurses and other healthcare providers can better plan for and execute appropriate care. This paper is based on a review of recent literature and outlines the importance of sexuality and how this is expressed. The experiences of older people are presented and the man