Sexuality & Ageing

Across the globe, both in developed and developing countries, the population is rapidly ageing. In the fields of sexual and relationship therapy and sexual health, ageing has not been an issue of priority. Too often, ageing is thought of as a process that relates to problems, deficits, and taboos, and less to pleasure, change, growth and diversity. It is treated as a separate life stage and not a process throughout the lifecycle. Sexuality and sexual health are important parts of the lives of older people, as they have a significant impact on quality of life, psychological well-being and physical health, as well as social and family life.

This book brings together contributions from those currently writing on and researching ageing as it relates, in a therapeutic context, to gender identity, to sex and sexuality, and to intimate relationships. This book was originally published as a special issue of Sexual and Relationship Therapy.

Walter Pierre Bouman is a Consultant Psychiatrist-Sexologist at the Nottingham Centre for Gender Dysphoria, UK, and an accredited psychotherapist and supervisor. His work and therapeutic practice both focus on the areas of gender, sex and relationships, with a particular interest on the aging population. Walter is Deputy Editor of Sexual and Relationship Therapy - International Perspectives on Theory, Research and Practice.

Peggy J. Kleinplatz is Professor of Medicine and Clinical Professor of Psychology at the University of Ottawa, Canada. Her book, New Directions in Sex Therapy, was winner of the AASECT 2013 Book Award. Her clinical work focuses on eroticism and transformation. Her current research focuses on optimal sexual experience, with a particular interest in sexual health in the elderly, disabled and marginalized populations.