Sexuality and ageing in palliative care environments? Breaking the (triple) taboo.

BACKGROUND Ageist perceptions continue to constrain the choices available to older adults in terms of their sexual expression. OBJECTIVE This paper discusses the last stage of life, when older adults may be progressing through a terminal disease, dying and in palliative care environments. Are they (or is anyone, at any age) interested in remaining intimate when they are dying? If yes, how is this interest accepted/facilitated within such environments?. RESULTS This article does not claim to be definitive, but provides a broad, preliminary sketch of this neglected research area. It suggests that, for many, sexual expression and intimate connection continue to be important until the very end of the lifespan. CONCLUSIONS As such, this important topic deserves recognition as part of an overall response to sexuality and ageing by policy makers and health professionals. Its importance will only become more significant due to greater longevity and population ageing.