Because of the shift in population demographics and the aging babyboomers, increasing number of studies are being conducted on the sexuality of midlife and senior individuals. Many of the studies being researched show that men and women confront physical and psychological challenges in their 50s, such as menopause for women and midlife crisis for men. However, those who are able to work through these either by themselves or with professional help continue to have healthy sexual lives.
             It is only in recently that "mature sexuality" is beginning to surface as a public issue that healthcare professionals are facing with growing numbers of patients. American society's views toward sexuality and patterns of sexual behavior are undergoing major changes and interest in sexual behavior is increasingly about the older generations as well as young (Lacy 22).
             The availability of new pharmaceuticals to help problems associated with sexuality and aging are also enhancing the older Americans' enjoyment of active sex life far longer than was previously thought or even considered appropriate by earlier generations.
             Ageism still clouds the information regarding sexuality and older individuals. Misconceptions of this kind generate irrational negative feelings, which make the sexual experiences less pleasurable for both partners in a relationship. The emotional problems cause the ability to reason correctly and of adults being able to think and act independently. The resulting despondency leads to the same kinds of thinking distortions seen in people harboring inferiority complexes or depression (Weeks, np).
             One common myth is that ageing and sexual dysfunction are inexorably linked. Frequently there is also an underlying belief that increasing health problems will constrain sexual activity in later years. Older adults, like their younger counterparts can maintain and enjoy a sexually satisfying active lifestyle. There is no finite biolo...