Perceptions on sexuality in the elderly: affective-sexual relationships in differential aging processes

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the different perceptions and attitudes on the sexuality of the elderly people according to the generational changes.

Methodology: Qualitative approach is used; 3 discussion groups and 19 semi-structured interviews were carried out with students from the Open University for the Elderly (UOM) aged between 59 and 78 years.

Results: The analysis highlights a different perception of sexuality between women and men during the aging process, which is associated with gender roles and gender expectations throughout the process of socialization and coinciding with a socio-historical context determined.

Conclusions: The perception of sexuality in older men means “loss period” whereas for older women, it means “full experience of their sexuality”.