This week I worked on the Debunking Ageist Myths project, I did mine on the myth that seniors do not have sex. I learned so much! I learned the statistics on how many seniors are having sex, how our society hinders seniors from expressing themselves sexually, and how sexual activity actually can help you live longer. I don’t think I necessarily believed the notion that seniors don’t have sex, but I hoped it was true. Society has created so much taboo and feelings of uncomfort about the topic. Then I realized how wrong it was to allow this taboo to continue, I read one statistic that said how these negative connotations about senior sexual activity has caused rates of STDs in seniors 65 and older to sky rocket. Now, with medical knowledge increasing the average life span, people are living older and older, having sex longer, and without sexual education programs for the older groups, the rates of STD’s have increased in that age group. Just think, removing taboo and normalizing sexual activity of seniors in media, in nursing homes, in the community could 1. Allow seniors to express themselves sexually and open up a part of them they have had to hide, 2. Lower rates of STDs by creating educational programs or education through media, 3. Normalizing sexual activity in seniors I think would better their mental health- as studies have shown that sexual activity is key to a happier, longer life. I really enjoyed this project and I hope by sharing it with the class that they will be open to opposing the negative connotations around the topic in society
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Kassidy WadeNeurobiology major from Vassalboro, ME. Archives
May 2021
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