Grandmas have sex too
Introduction to sexuality in late life
Sharpe, T. H. (2004). The Family Journal, 12(2), 199-205.
Sexuality is an aspect of human development often ignored at various stages of life, especially late life. With the aging of society, increased longevity, improved health, and rising affluence, the understanding of normal sexual development in aging humans becomes progressively more important. Normal sexuality among those in late life may relate more to societal views based in part on ageist myths and misconceptions and an overemphasis on disease processes. It is important for both health and mental health professionals to educate themselves about the specific challenges and rewards of sexuality in late life.
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I am interested in writing a paper on the role of elderly women in the Western society, and representations that perpetuate old as non desirable and lacking any sexual desire. I am looking for a way into this subject. Here is my dump list of subject matters:
- ageism (Why is it that we ridicule a group we will soon be a part of?)
- sexuality (Why is it that we laugh or are disgusted by the thought of grandmas having sex?)
- how perceptions affects group’s perception of self (Does my grandma feel sexy?)
- role of visual culture (lack of representation of older women in fashion magazines)
- advertisement (elderly often depicted in ads about medications or diseases or hospitals )
