Week 4,Chapter 7: Intimacy and Sexuality

This chapter explores the topics of intimacy and sexuality and that as individual’s age they still need bonds and close relationships with others. The textbook explains that “Intimacy is the need to be close to, to be part of, and to feel familiar with another person. Old or young, we all need intimacy and social bonds with others” (Hillier and Barrow, 2011). All people need social bonds with each other whether they are young or old, that is a very important concept that remains constant throughout this chapter. Young adults believe that intimacy and sexuality should only be expressed in one’s early years in life but that is not the case and the chapter makes that clear. “Sexuality is an integral part of loving and bonding. Over time the identity shifts and changes, but it remains a central aspect of who we are” (Hillier and Barrow, 2011). The younger generations are more open with their intimacy and sexuality whereas the older generations are more closed off and private with their relationship. Although some may think that intimacy and sexuality change over the years as one ages, it does not unless there is something that happens to that person physically that causes them not to be able to have sex. If a person is intimate and sexual in their younger years, then chances are that is not going to change as they age. This chapter reinforces the idea that humans are intimate and sexual and that does not change with age.