Ricerc@Sapienza

To grow old well is not simple in our society. To grow old successfully and be bisexual it is a kind of challenge. Negative attitudes toward bisexuals have been documented among heterosexuals as well as homosexuals. Older bisexual adults may then experience various forms of discrimination which will lead to marginalization and invisibility. Forming and maintaining a bisexual identity in a sexually dichotomous culture is a complex and difficult task that calls for resilience to counter the isolation. Older bisexuals have many different types of relationships. Moreover, their families have very different arrangements. Good communication about bisexuality and other marital issues were found to be the key of the couple satisfaction. Mixed-orientation couples face problems stemming from the dichotomizing of sexuality, negative myths and stereotypes, and lack of awareness of models and resources. It can be particularly problematic when a partner's bisexuality is first addressed within a committed relationship, especially if sexological problems arise. In this narrative review the authors will present some of the key aspects of aging bisexuals in the relationships relevant for the sexual health professionals, focusing on the most important issues highlighted in the literature and proposing recommendations for clinicians. Various therapeutic strategies are now available, all of them should be applied in the framework of an integrative approach. Therapeutic tasks in these couples include addressing sexuality and relationships in the aging in the context of stigma, assessing sexual history and the relationship, clarifying personal meanings of bisexuality, providing education and resources. If there is the need, it is important to facilitate negotiations regarding safer sex and polyamory. Therapy provides affirmation of bisexuality and validation of the different types of relationships. The therapist plays an important role in providing acceptance for bisexuality, serving to counteract bisexual invisibility, facilitating an exploration of both partner's feelings and needs.