Sexual Lives of Senior Citizens in Nepal: Individuals’ Wellbeing and Policy Recommendations

Abstract

There has been inadequate research on the taboo topic of sex, especially concerning senior citizens in Nepal. People often consider sex among seniors as shameful and question their ability to engage in such activities. In Nepal, the Senior Citizens Acts, 2063, define individuals aged 60 years or above as seniors, and society tends to view them as asexual as they age. However, research suggests that sex plays a crucial role in a person's quality of life, wellbeing, and health, which is often overlooked in South Asian cultures like Nepal. Consequently, little attention is given to the sex lives of aging individuals. This paper explores the sexual experiences of senior citizens, shedding light on their sexual and health issues, and emphasizes the importance of considering sex in promoting a healthy life for seniors. To gather primary data, an informal survey was conducted on Facebook, targeting senior citizens aged 65 years or older in Nepal, and over 100 responses were received within a month. The collected data was analyzed using narrative analysis methodology. The paper highlights the need for sexual and health policies to support senior citizens.