Sexuality through the eyes of the elderly.

Abstract

Objective: to identify the perception of elderly persons about sexuality. Methods: a quantitative, observational and analytical cross-sectional study was performed in an institution specializing in elderly care in Belém, in the state of Pará. A questionnaire, produced by the authors, was applied to 200 elderly persons, aiming to identify issues related to sexuality both in their youth and today, as well as stimulant strategies and sexuality inhibiting factors among the elderly, among other issues. Data was statistically analyzed through the G-Test for adherence. Results: The researched elderly had an average age of 72 (±5.92) years. The majority said they were not prepared for the beginning of sexual activity when young (62.5%), and had little knowledge about sexually transmitted diseases or methods of preventing them (42.3%). Today, the majority (84%) did not understand the distinction between sexuality and sex, even though most (69.5%) believed that they can stimulate their own sexuality. They also identified family (16.5%) and religion (15.5%) as inhibitory factors for their sexuality. A total of 28.5% of those interviewed reported having a sexual dysfunction and more than half (52.5%) did not seek medical support. They believed that health professionals are prepared to deal with the issue, although such professionals are almost the last information source consulted (17.5%) in relation to sexuality. Conclusion: many factors support the myth that older people are asexual: limited access to information from their youth to the present day, the physiological changes connected to aging itself, religious precepts and family oppression. However, further studies and actions directed at this population are important to promote the health of the elderly.

Validation of educational booklet for HIV/Aids prevention in older adults

“…This can be a result of the increase in the number of sexual relations practiced by this population, which -probably due to educational, cultural, economic issues, among others -still abnegates the use of male and female condoms (23)(24) . Old age has been problematized as variable of cultural changes and innovations in the modern world, in which older adults are responsible for the creation of new lifestyles (24) . The replacement of difficult terms was requested, because the use of the language must be consistent with the message of the instrument and its target audience; it should be easy to read and understand (13) .…”

Aging, sexuality and nursing care: the elderly woman’s look

“…The expression of sexuality is intimately linked to the appreciation of the body, the sexual life, affection and affection, which does not end with aging. Nevertheless, society and the elderly themselves still have taboos, myths and sociocultural prejudices when it comes to sexuality, bringing consequences and influences to their lives (6,15) .…”

Concepção de mulheres idosas sobre a sexualidade na velhice

“…https://periodicos.ufpe.br/revistas/revistaenfermagem/index clarification, friends from the same age group with similar experiences were usually used. 14…”

“…13 It is necessary that sexuality in old age be seen naturally, so that the human being can accept that the sexual act is a common practice that goes beyond youth and provides health and well-being to the elderly. 14 Studies such as this are justified by the growth of the elderly population, especially women, with demands for an active and healthy aging that includes the experience of sexuality, revealing the need to address the issue at different stages of life, especially in old age, phase in which she is denied.…”