Throughout the Geriatrics course this semester I have learned so much about the complex challenges and unique adaptations that aging adults face, through a holistic and caring perspective. I hope to be able to take what I have learned and apply it to my nursing career as I close out my time here at UNE. Something that I will carry with  me and take away from this class, include the myths and misconceptions around the care of older adults and the effect on the care of this population as well as specific concerns regarding the LGBTQ population and the sexuality of this population.

Some myths regarding sexuality in the older population is that they don’t have sex anymore and that all sexual functions and desires have stopped or severely slowed down as they aged. I learned in Gerontology that this is false. Although there are some bodily functions that may change how the older adult can have sex, it doesn’t stop their desire or even in some cases, there frequency. I think that this is an important aspect to know about older adults, because to assume that just because they are older, it doesn’t negate that they are still sexual human beings who have needs. As a nurse, it is important to realize this fact so we can continue the conversation with them about safe sex, condom use, and STI prevention. It is also important to educate on how we can help them with having sex regarding ED and vaginal dryness. Another thing that I took away from this course was the prevalence of LQBTQ persons in the older adult community. There are many older people who identify as gay, and it is important to know their history of discrimination and unacceptance by their own family members. It is our jobs as nurses to make them feel comfortable and accepted no matter who they love.

Another insight that I took away from this class is how independent and strong this population is. I think before being educated on the geriatric population I always looked at older people as someone who needs help and needs to be taken care of. This is not the case for most older adults. They have experienced and lived life far more than I have and they know what they want and need. It is important for nurses and other health personnel to give them respect and independence as tolerated as any other patient that we care for. To do otherwise is discriminatory and can cause upset to these patients.