to be embarrassed by elderly relative touching his privates at home and in public?

[IrishGal21]

Said relative is fairly unwell and spends days watcing TV however, he always seems to have his hand down his trousers and fiddle with his privates. Is this normal for men this age, maybe a reassuring thing or just habit?? lol I find it a tad awkward when talking to them directly and they are just chatting normally but with a hand down there. It is nothing sexual with me. Also, when we were in hospital the other day they started to do it on a trolley in the ward and luckily it was away from most people, but I was very shocked and embarrassed and a bit disgusted, even though this is a close relative and he is a very caring decent man. Thoughts?

I know men do fiddle down there and I guess old habits die hard lol

Also, should I say something if he does it again in public...quite innocently I feel but just habit. Maybe like a comfort blanket??? How should I approach the subject? Could make for a very awkward convo

Yes. As an ex hcp this is quite common! maybe he had uti or pain down there.

This can be linked to uti or other physical health issues that increase with age

I would ignore, any big conversation isnt likely to go well. Its likely to come across patronising. In the moment there is an option to say "you okay/ just trying to sort yourself out?"

Maybe just ask "what's wrong? Do you need the bathroom?" If he asks why just gently say he is acting like a small child would when they need the bathroom? In my experience it's a comfort thing that I've seen the very young and very old do.