ABSTRACT
The developmental period often referred to as “older adulthood” can span 40-plus years. This period contains sub-groupings of at least three generational cohorts: baby boomers, the silent generation born between 1925 and 1945, with their formative years during the Depression and World War II, and the G.I. or greatest generation, born between 1901 and 1924. It is possible to have a healthy couple in their mid-60s caring for a set of parents, in their late-80s/early 90s, living in the same home. Society recognizes all four individuals as “older adults,” but their healthcare, and sexual needs may be signifi cantly different. In addition to the physiological changes secondary to chronological and biological aging, a myriad variables accompany individuals to our counseling offi ces. These include — but are certainly not limited to — one’s socio-economic level, ethnicity, current health status, life history, sexual orientation, living arrangements (i.e., in the community vs. those living in institutional settings), and one’s understanding of (and attitudes towards) sexuality. There is a need to understand the diversity of viewpoints, especially with regards to sexuality (Brock and Jennings, 2007 ; Moll, 2002 ). As Brock and Jennings ( 2007 ) suggest, “Older persons are heterosexual, bisexual, gay, lesbian, transgendered, and intersexed. Generalizing about sexuality and older persons should be undertaken with great caution” (p. 245).
