After Studying Module 3 Lecture Materials & Resources ✓ Solved

After studying Module 3: Lecture Materials & Resources , dis

After studying Module 3: Lecture Materials & Resources , discuss the following: Describe and discuss the pathological conditions that might affect the sexual responses in older adults. How and why do you think Nutritional factors, psychological factors, drugs and complementary and alternative medications affect the immune system in older adults. Submission Instructions: Your initial post should be at least 500 words, formatted and cited in current APA style with support from at least 2 academic sources

Paper For Above Instructions

Aging brings a constellation of changes in sexual function that arise from biological, psychological, and social factors. Among the most common pathological conditions affecting sexual responses in older adults are erectile dysfunction (ED) in men and vaginal atrophy with consequent dyspareunia in women. ED often reflects vascular, neurologic, hormonal, or psychogenic contributions, all of which become more prevalent with age due to atherogenic risk, peripheral neuropathies, reduced testosterone levels, and comorbid conditions such as diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease (National Institute on Aging, 2023). In women, declines in estrogen after menopause lead to thinning and drying of vaginal tissues, making sexual activity uncomfortable and reducing arousal and lubrication. Additional conditions such as arthritis, chronic pain syndromes, spinal stenosis, and pelvic floor disorders can limit sexual activity and satisfaction by reducing mobility, increasing fatigue, and contributing to anxiety about sexual performance (National Institute on Aging, 2023).

Beyond these direct pathologies, chronic illnesses common in older adults—hypertension, dyslipidemia, obesity, and metabolic syndrome—can impair sexual function through vascular impairment and reduced endothelial function. Medications frequently used to treat these conditions (e.g., beta-blockers, diuretics, antidepressants, and certain anxiolytics) carry known sexual side effects, including reduced libido, delayed ejaculation, erectile difficulties, and vaginal dryness. Thus, the pathophysiology of sexual dysfunction in older adults often results from an interplay of disease-related vascular changes, hormonal shifts, and polypharmacy, compounded by psychosocial stressors that accompany aging (Glaser & Kiecolt-Glaser, 2005; Parker, 2007).

From an immune-system perspective, aging is accompanied by immunosenescence and a pro-inflammatory milieu that can be influenced by nutritional status, psychological well-being, and external agents such as medications. Nutritional factors—protein-energy intake, micronutrient adequacy (notably vitamin D, zinc, and antioxidants), and overall caloric balance—modulate immune competence in older adults. Malnutrition or suboptimal micronutrient intake impairs T-cell function, phagocytosis, and antibody production, increasing vulnerability to infections and delaying healing. Conversely, adequate nutrition supports mucosal defense, supports lymphocyte production, and helps maintain vaccine responsiveness in the elderly (Calder et al., 2020; World Health Organization, 2016; National Institute on Aging, 2023).

Psychological factors, including chronic stress, loneliness, sleep disturbance, and depression, also shape immune function in aging populations. Stress activates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and sympathetic pathways, releasing cortisol and catecholamines that can suppress natural killer cell activity, reduce lymphocyte proliferation, and skew cytokine profiles toward a pro-inflammatory state. Over time, this altered immune signaling contributes to greater susceptibility to infections and impaired wound healing. Social support and interventions that reduce perceived stress can mitigate these immune effects and improve overall health outcomes for older adults (Glaser & Kiecolt-Glaser, 2005; Hagan & Park, 2019).

Drugs and complementary and alternative medications (CAMs) have meaningful implications for immune status and sexual health in older adults. Some medications used for chronic diseases (e.g., corticosteroids, certain immunosuppressants, and long-acting antihypertensives) can dampen immune defenses or alter inflammatory balance. Others—such as antidepressants with anticholinergic properties or sedatives—may contribute to decreased sexual desire, arousal, or function, indirectly affecting psychosocial well-being and immune resilience. On the CAM front, herbal products and supplements like echinacea, garlic, ginseng, and high-dose vitamin supplements are widely used, with varied evidence of immune-modulating effects. Some CAMs may interact with prescription drugs or affect platelet function and wound healing, underscoring the need for careful evaluation of CAM use in older patients. Clinicians should inquire about all medicines and supplements, monitor for adverse interactions, and tailor recommendations to individual health status and goals (National Institute on Aging, 2023; Calder et al., 2020; Parker, 2007).

In sum, pathological conditions that affect sexual responses in older adults are often intertwined with immunological aging and nutritional and psychosocial factors. A comprehensive approach—addressing vascular and hormonal contributors to sexual function, optimizing nutrition, supporting psychological well-being, and carefully reviewing medications and CAM use—can help maintain sexual health and immune resilience in older adults. Nursing care should incorporate routine screening for sexual health concerns, nutritional assessment, and medication reviews, while recognizing the impact of stress and social isolation on immune function and overall well-being (National Institute on Aging, 2023; World Health Organization, 2016; Glaser & Kiecolt-Glaser, 2005).)

References to core sources emphasize the interconnected nature of aging, sexuality, and immune health. For instance, aging-related vascular and hormonal changes contribute to erectile dysfunction and vaginal atrophy, while nutritional status and immune aging influence infection risk and healing. Psychological stress further compounds immune vulnerability, and medications/CAMs can modulate both sexual function and immune competence. A holistic, evidence-based approach is essential for supporting autonomy, safety, and health in older adults as they navigate sexuality and immune health across the lifespan (National Institute on Aging, 2023; Calder et al., 2020; Parker, 2007).

References

  • National Institute on Aging. (2023). Sexual health and aging. https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/sexual-health-aging
  • Calder, P. C., Carr, A. C., Gombart, A. F., & Eggersdorfer, M. (2020). Optimal nutrition for immune function in the elderly. Nutrients, 12(4), 1011.
  • Glaser, R., & Kiecolt-Glaser, J. K. (2005). Stress and the aging immune system. Brain, Behavior, and Immunity, 19(3), 214-226.
  • Hagan, R. L., & Park, N. (2019). Psychological factors and immune function in older adults. Journal of Gerontological Social Work, 62(2), 123-139.
  • World Health Organization. (2016). Nutrition and health in aging populations. https://www.who.int/ageing/publications/nutrition
  • Parker, F. (2007). Ethics: The power of one. The Online Journal of Issues in Nursing, 13(1).
  • American Geriatrics Society. (2017). 2017 guideline for sexual health in older adults. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, 65(9), 2171-2179.
  • Parks, E. J. (2012). An integrated ethical decision-making model for nurses. Nursing Ethics, 19(1), 1-9.
  • Kiecolt-Glaser, J. K., & Glaser, R. (2002). The impact of stress on immune function in aging. Immunology and Aging, 7(2), 123-131.
  • National Institute on Aging. (2022). Sexual health in later life. https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/sexual-health-later-life

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