Ageing and Sexualities by Harding, Rosie; Peel, Elizabeth;

Short description:

This book showcases developments in theory, research and practice regarding sexuality and ageing, considering the differences as well as similarities between and among ageing heterosexual and LGBT older people. Identifying the questions central to future social scientific research on ageing and sexuality, it focuses on the important, emerging dimensions of sexuality and ageing: embodiment, the diversification of the ageing context and the intersections of care and sexuality.

Long description:

This book showcases developments in theory, research and practice regarding sexuality and ageing, considering the differences as well as similarities between and among ageing heterosexual and LGBT older people. Identifying the questions central to future social scientific research on ageing and sexuality, it focuses on the important, emerging dimensions of sexuality and ageing: embodiment, the diversification of the ageing context and the intersections of care and sexuality. With attention to the different forms of sexualities, particularly at their intersection with gender, this volume explores the importance of spatial and relational contexts, whether individual, residential or virtual, with authors offering studies of online dating, sexuality in the context of residential care and the relationship between sexuality, legal frameworks and social policy. Interdisciplinary in scope and offering the latest research from scholars in the UK, Australasia and Africa, Ageing and Sexualities constitutes an integrated approach to the conceptual and practical challenges of understanding the interplay of ageing and sexuality in contemporary society. As such, it will appeal to scholars from a variety of disciplinary backgrounds, including sociology, cultural studies, socio-legal studies, social gerontology, psychology, medicine and health care.

"Ageing and Sexualities contributes to a gap in ageing research and policy, by focussing on the needs of older heterosexual and LGBT people. Drawing on interdisciplinary research, Ageing and Sexualities highlights important issues for research, policy, and practice. The international authors critique current assumptions and frameworks to raise important questions that are relevant for all scholars engaged in research on ageing."— Christine Stephens, Massey University, New Zealand

"This fascinating collection directly challenges the notion that sexuality and ageing are incompatible. Through exploring these processes from different perspectives the contributors develop new insights. Wonderful and exciting reading."— Michael Murray, Keele University, UK

"This book is a must have reading for persons who want a comprehensive picture of ageing and sexuality in contemporary society. New ideas and issues addressed include the pros and cons of the 'sexy oldies' stereotype and the impact of the biomedicalizing of sexuality and the introduction of sexuopharmaceuticals in the mid-1990s."— Gloria M. Gutman, Simon Fraser University, Canada

" … provide[s] insight and illumination on these two lenses of the human condition that are intricately bound together ... offers a welcome and significant contribution to the emerging field of ageing and sexuality research" - Orla Parslow-Breen, Psychology of Sexualities Review

Table of Contents:

List of Figures

List of Tables

Notes on Contributors

Acknowledgements

Introduction: Introducing Ageing and Sexualities, (Rosie Harding and Elizabeth Peel)

1. Ageing and Sexuality in Western Societies: Changing Perspectives on Sexual Activity, Sexual Expression and the ‘Sexy’ Older Body, (Sharron Hinchliff and Merryn Gott)

2. Ageing Sexualities in UK Regulatory Contexts, (Sue Westwood)

3. Inclusion and Representation of Older People and Sexual Health in sub-Saharan Africa within Contemporary Population Health Research, (Gloria Chepngeno-Langat and Victoria Hosegood)

4. Becoming Visible: De-marginalising Older Lesbians in LGBT Ageing Discourse, (Jane Traies)

5. Sexual Identity Labels and their Implications in Later Life: The Case of Bisexuality, (Rebecca Jones)

6. Older People and Sexuality in Residential Aged Care: Reconstructing Normality, (Michael Bauer, Linda McAuliffe, Deirdre Fetherstonhaugh)

7. "I am Getting Old and That Takes Some Getting Used To": Dimensions of Body Image for Older Men, (Allan Tyler, Nuno Nodin, Elizabeth Peel and Ian Rivers)

8. Troubling Identities? Examining Older Lesbian, Gay and/or Bisexual People’s Membership Categorisation Work and its Significance, (Andrew King)

9. Towards the Inquiry into Aged Care and Beyond: The Promise and Challenge of a New Era in LGBTI Ageing, (Mark Hughes)

10. Internet Dating, Sexual Intimacy and Older People, (Chris Beasley and Mary Holmes)

Index