A male older-adult patient expresses concern and anxiety about decreased penile firmness during an erection. What is the nurse's best response?

A) Tell the patient that libido will always decrease, as well as the sexual desires.
B) Tell the patient that touching should be avoided unless intercourse is planned.
C) Tell the patient that heterosexuality will help maintain stronger libido.
D) Tell the patient that this change is expected in aging adults.

Aging men typically experience an erection that is less firm and shorter acting and have a less forceful ejaculation. Testosterone lessens with age and sometimes (not always) leads to a loss of libido. However, for both men and women sexual desires, thoughts, and actions continue throughout all decades of life. Sexuality involves love, warmth, sharing, and touching, not just the act of intercourse. Touch complements traditional sexual methods or serves as an alternative sexual expression when physical intercourse is not desired or possible. Clearly not all older adults are heterosexual, and there is emerging research on older adult, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals and their health care needs.