In the United Kingdom, nursing home staff are asked to encourage and support sexual relations between the elderly, writes the Daily Mail.
The University of Sheffield, in collaboration with Age-Friendly Sheffield, conducted research into the sex lives of older people and created a Sexual Rights Charter. The researchers concluded that sex in nursing homes should be encouraged if older people want it. Staff should be trained to support older people who want to be sexually active.
Scientists also highlight that “older people are more likely to experience discrimination when it comes to their sexual health and well-being”. In addition, health care workers do not take romantic relationships between the elderly seriously, and nursing homes themselves are designed in such a way that they deprive residents of the opportunity for privacy.
Thanks to the University of Sheffield's Sexual Rights Charter, a training course will be held at care homes in the city to break down barriers and tackle the discrimination older people can face when it comes to about sex and relationships. The course will enable older people to discuss sexual issues openly and help staff understand how to support them with such issues.