The exercise of sexuality among the elderly and associated factors

Abstract

Objective: To analyze factors that interfere with the exercise of sexuality among the elderly. Methods: A cross-sectional study of 235 elderly persons enrolled at the Open University of the Third Age of the Federal University of Pernambuco was carried out. The dependent variable was the exercise of sexuality, which was investigated in terms of perception of sexuality, thinking about sex, what the elderly person does when he or she has the desire for sex, sexual activity and auto-eroticism. The independent variables were sociodemographic data, health status and self-perception of body image. Statistical analysis involved bivariate correlation by the Kendall and Spearman coefficients. All variables with p≤0.20 in bivariate analysis were included in the generalized linear regression, with p=0.05 considered for the rejection of the null hypothesis. Result: The conception of sexuality was most closely related to genitality (67.2%), 51.5% of the sample reported thinking about sex, while 71.1% of the elderly persons said they were indifferent to sexual desire; 32.3% claimed to be sexually active; and 23% auto-eroticized. The variables age, years of education, religion, physical exercise and dissatisfaction with body image were significant in bivariate correlation analysis. The desire for sex and sexual activity were less likely to be present among elderly persons who performed exercise. Conclusion: The sexuality of the elderly is based on several factors that may interfere with their experience and should be considered in educational strategies employed by health professionals who promote actions for the sexual health of the elderly.

Factors Conditioning Sexual Behavior in Older Adults: A Systematic Review of Qualitative Studies

“…Asexuality among older people is a complex issue to evaluate; while various studies examine the desires and sexual interests of older people from a variety of angles [19,[88][89][90][91][92], other studies emphasize that asexuality in older women can still be found [88,93]. Thus, due to conflicting findings, it seems necessary to carry out future research that explores asexuality and its association with more physiological and psychosocial factors [94].…”

Therapeutic nursing care: transition in sexuality of the elderly caregiving spouse

“…With the difficulties of maintaining sexual activity, it is common for the elderly to make sexual adaptations, since the body no longer responds to desire, with emphasis on respect, friendship, love and kindness (15,27) .…”

Representações sociais da sexualidade entre idosos

“…Although old age is considered to be an age of limitations, this phase can be as productive as any other phase regarding the experience of love and sexuality. However, aging can also cause restrictions and minimize the autonomy of these individuals in their experience of sexuality, thereby maintaining stereotypes about sexual intimacy of the elderly (7)(8) .…”

“…From a psychoanalytic perspective, sexuality is directed toward pleasure, and its various qualitative and quantitative variations are linked to affection, relationships and the erotic and sexual relationship (9) . In the reductionist conception of the experience of sexuality through intercourse, some older adults feel excluded because the sexual act is often affected by the body due to aging (erectile dysfunction, hormonal changes) (8,10) . Through problem-based discussions during academic life, and consolidated by the clinical experience during internship regarding the elderly health, a pact of silence about the theme was noted.…”