Desexualisation in Later Life
The Limits of Sex and Intimacy
Edited by Paul Simpson, Paul Reynolds and Trish Hafford-Letchfield
ISBN
978-1447355472Dimensions
234 x 156 mmImprint
Policy PressISBN
978-1447355465Dimensions
234 x 156 mmImprint
Policy PressISBN
978-1447355496Dimensions
234 x 156 mmImprint
Policy PressISBN
978-1447355496Dimensions
234 x 156 mmImprint
Policy Press
Desexualisation in Later Life
Despite evidence of a more sexually active ‘third age’, ageing and later life (50+) are still commonly represented as a process of desexualisation.
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 desexualisation 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.
"A brilliant contribution to an increasingly emergent interest in later life sexuality. Contributors dispel myths and stereotypes which have plagued both our awareness and understanding of the subject. This will be the seminal work for years to come." Mervyn Eastman, ChangeAGEnts Co-operative
“This book provides a significant contribution to an area often overlooked in practice, policy and research. Contributors provide a timely and important reminder that sexuality is a core part of who we are, no matter our age.” Adi Cooper OBE, University of Bedfordshire
“This text approaches desexualisation in later life in robust yet highly sensitive ways, with the aim of destabilising hegemonies and progressing thought, policy and practice in productive ways.” Maurice Nagington, University of Manchester
Paul Simpson has lectured at several northwest universities, including the Department of Sociology at the University of Manchester, and is currently an independent academic.
Paul Reynolds is Co-Convenor of the International Network for Sexual Ethics and Politics (INSEP) and Associate Lecturer with The Open University.
Trish Hafford-Letchfield is Professor of Social Work at the University of Strathclyde.
Series Editor Introduction - Paul Simpson, Trish Hafford-Letchfield and Paul Reynolds
Foreword - Ketki Ranade
1. Introduction to the Volume: Themes, Issues and Chapter Synopses - Paul Simpson, Paul Reynolds and Trish Hafford-Letchfield
2. Consent and Sexual Literacy for Older People - Paul Reynolds
3. ‘At YOUR Age???!!!’: the Constraints of Ageist Erotophobia on Older People’s Sexual and Intimate Relationships - Paul Simpson
4. The Aesthetic(s) of the Eroticism in Old Age - Ricardo Iacub and Feliciano Villar
5. Menopause and the ‘Menoboom’: How Older Women are Desexualised by Culture - Clare Anderson.
6. Ageing, Physical Disability and Desexualisation - Susan Gillen and Paul Reynolds.
7. Ageing, Intellectual Disability and Desexualisation - Susan Gillen and Paul Reynolds
8. Dancing in- or out-of-step? Sexual and Intimate Relationships among Heterosexual Couples Living with Alzheimer’s Disease - Linn J. Sandberg.
9. Older People Living in Long-term Care: No Place for Old Sex? - Feliciano Villar and Josep Faba
10. Ageing and the LGBTI+ Community: a Case Study of Australian Care Policy - Jane Youell
11. The role of professionals and service providers in supporting sexuality and intimacy in later life: theoretical and practice perspectives - Trish Hafford-Letchfield
12. Final reflections: themes and issues arising from the volume on desexualisation in later life- Paul Simpson, Trish Hafford-Letchfield and Paul Reynolds
