The world’s population is getting older. This is mainly in the Asia-Pacific, which hosts some countries with the world’s largest proportion of older adults. This phenomenon is attributed to declining fertility rates and increasing life expectancies. The life expectancy in this region is increasing from 68.6 years in 2000 to 74.2 years in 2019. Nevertheless, living longer will not be meaningful unless an older person can experience these extra years of good health and quality of life. Unfortunately, while life expectancy has increased, the same cannot be said for healthy life expectancy in populations in the Asia-Pacific, where in Southeast Asia, the healthy life expectancy at age 60 years has remained constant at 12–13 years from 2000 to 2019. One of the crucial dimensions of human beings is sexual and reproductive health, and it has been considered an indicator of general health status and quality of life for older adults. Despite the stereotypes, views, and social prejudices that older adults are asexual and disinterested in sex, evidence has emerged that sexual activity persists in older. Older adults, despite physical alterations due to ageing, continue to have sexual desires and needs. This chapter reviews the current biological and psychosocial issues that confront older adults, and the healthcare policies related to sexual and reproductive health, specifically on the Asia-Pacific populations.

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Sexual and Reproductive Health Among Older Adults in Asia-Pacific

  • Wen Ting Tong,
  • Annaletchumy Loganathan,
  • Bairave Shunnmugam,
  • Wah Yun Low

摘要

The world’s population is getting older. This is mainly in the Asia-Pacific, which hosts some countries with the world’s largest proportion of older adults. This phenomenon is attributed to declining fertility rates and increasing life expectancies. The life expectancy in this region is increasing from 68.6 years in 2000 to 74.2 years in 2019. Nevertheless, living longer will not be meaningful unless an older person can experience these extra years of good health and quality of life. Unfortunately, while life expectancy has increased, the same cannot be said for healthy life expectancy in populations in the Asia-Pacific, where in Southeast Asia, the healthy life expectancy at age 60 years has remained constant at 12–13 years from 2000 to 2019. One of the crucial dimensions of human beings is sexual and reproductive health, and it has been considered an indicator of general health status and quality of life for older adults. Despite the stereotypes, views, and social prejudices that older adults are asexual and disinterested in sex, evidence has emerged that sexual activity persists in older. Older adults, despite physical alterations due to ageing, continue to have sexual desires and needs. This chapter reviews the current biological and psychosocial issues that confront older adults, and the healthcare policies related to sexual and reproductive health, specifically on the Asia-Pacific populations.