Addressing the Sexual Rights of Older People

There is growing evidence that the sexual rights of older people are not being met. One reason, perhaps the main reason, relates to the way that old age is viewed. In many cultures, being old is associated with decline and disease, which positions older people as dependent and powerless. Furthermore, an absence of positive or celebratory discourses around older people's sexuality is particularly striking. The book addresses a gap in research and policy. Using an adaptation of the Declaration of Sexual Rights from the World Association of Sexual Health, it provides readers with an innovative and evidence-based framework for achieving the sexual rights of older people. Drawing on interdisciplinary research, it explores the cultural and social locations of old age and its intersections with sexual orientation, gender identity, and intersex status. Key themes include stigma, silencing, invisibility, prejudice, discrimination, and a lack of information, awareness, and understanding. Addressing the Sexual Rights of Older People: Theory, Policy and Practice is a text for academics, health professionals, social professionals, service providers, and policy-makers. It is a timely and insightful collection which suggests ways to apply the sexual rights framework, raise awareness, and engage communities in constructing strategies for reform.

Catherine Barrett is Director of Celebrate Ageing and the OPAL Institute, a national program promoting the sexual rights of older Australians. Sharron Hinchliff is Senior Lecturer at the School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Sheffield, where she leads the ageing, gender, and sexual health and wellbeing programme of research.

1. Introduction to the sexual rights of older people. 2. Bundles of potential: The sexual rights of older people. = 3. Framing the sexual rights of older heterosexual women: Acknowledging diversity and change. 4. Older men's experiences of sexuality and their relevance for sexual rights. 5. The hidden sexualities of older lesbians and bisexual women. 6. Transgender older people: At Sea. far from the sexual rights shore. 7. Intersex ageing and (sexual) rights. 8. Sexual assault of older women: Breaking the silence. Bianca Fileborn. 9. The challenges in reducing STIs while fulfilling and enhancing the sexual rights of older people. 10. Challenging the 'viagratization' of heterosexuality and ageing. 11. Older people as cyber-sexual beings: Online and internet dating. 12. Conclusion: Moving forward. implementing change.