Desexualisation in Later Life: The Limits of Sex and Intimacy

This interdisciplinary volume investigates the experiential and theoretical landscapes of older peoples sexual intimacies, practices, and pleasures, challenging ageist stereotypes and desexualisation. It considers the impact of desexualisation in various contexts and across different identities, orientations, relationships, and practices, and how to distinguish the real challenges faced by older people from prejudices imposed on them.

Format: Hardback
Length: 208 pages
Publication date: 19 July 2021
Publisher: Bristol University Press

Despite evidence of a more sexually active 'third age,' aging and later life (50+) are still commonly represented as a process of desexualization. Challenging this assumption and ageist stereotypes, this interdisciplinary volume investigates the experiential and theoretical landscapes of older people's sexual intimacies, practices, and pleasures. Contributors explore the impact of desexualization in various contexts and across different identities, orientations, relationships, and practices. This enlightening text, reflecting international scholarship, considers how we can distinguish the real challenges faced by older people from the prejudices imposed on them.

Introduction:
The representation of aging and later life as a period of desexualization is a pervasive societal assumption that needs to be challenged. This interdisciplinary volume seeks to explore the complex and diverse experiences of older people's sexual intimacies, practices, and pleasures, challenging the notion that these aspects of life become less significant with age. By examining the impact of desexualization in various contexts and across different identities, orientations, relationships, and practices, contributors aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of the challenges faced by older individuals in maintaining a fulfilling sexual life.

Experiential Landscapes:
The contributors to this volume present a rich tapestry of personal narratives and experiences that shed light on the diverse ways in which older people engage in sexual activity. These accounts highlight the importance of maintaining sexual intimacy and pleasure in later life, despite the societal pressures and stereotypes that may discourage such pursuits. The experiences of older people, including those who may be single, partnered, or in same-sex relationships, are explored in depth, providing a nuanced understanding of their sexual desires, preferences, and boundaries.

Theoretical Perspectives:
In addition to the experiential narratives, the volume also includes theoretical perspectives that help to frame the discussion around older people's sexualities. Contributors draw on a range of disciplines, including gerontology, sociology, psychology, and gender studies, to examine the social, cultural, and political factors that contribute to desexualization in older age. They explore the ways in which ageism, heterosexism, and other forms of discrimination intersect with older people's sexual experiences, perpetuating negative stereotypes and attitudes.

Distinguishing Real Challenges from Prejudices:
One of the key themes of this volume is the need to distinguish between the real challenges faced by older people and the prejudices imposed on them. Contributors argue that older people's sexual desires and practices are often marginalized and stigmatized, leading to feelings of shame, isolation, and disempowerment. They highlight the importance of promoting age-inclusive and respectful attitudes towards older people's sexualities, as well as challenging ageist stereotypes and assumptions.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, this interdisciplinary volume provides a valuable contribution to the understanding of older people's sexualities and challenges the assumption of desexualization in later life. By exploring the experiential and theoretical landscapes of older people's sexual intimacies, practices, and pleasures, contributors offer a nuanced and empathetic perspective on the experiences of older individuals. This text is a must-read for scholars, researchers, practitioners, and anyone interested in promoting age-inclusive and respectful attitudes towards older people's sexualities.

Weight: 528g
Dimension: 162 x 241 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781447355465