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What sexual well-being really means for older adults: A systematic review of the literature
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Abstract(s)
Sexual well-being (SWB) is a significant and understudied element of older
adults’ health and well-being, and quality of life. The goal of this systematic
review is to identify the researched topics in this field and assess the quality
of the research while minimizing bias through a peer-to-peer review process.
We searched several databases, including the Cochrane Database, PsyRedalyc, PubMed, Scielo, Scopus and Google Scholar, resulting in 181,278
references. Ultimately, 62 studies met the inclusion criteria and were
included in this review. These studies involved over 46,500 individuals with
ages ranging from 55 to 99, from twenty-one different countries. Our study
identified a variety of variables under the concept umbrella of SWB, including
sexual satisfaction, sexual health, sexual interest, sexual experiences and
behaviors, sexual intimacy, expressions of love and attitudes toward sexuality
in different countries. The studies reveal diverse perspectives on the determinants, expressions, and challenges associated with SWB in old age.
Common themes such as the importance of sexual satisfaction, intimate
relationships, and the rejection of a universal decline in sexual interest,
challenge ageist stereotypes. The emergent concepts, including the linking
of physical to emotional health, the impact of technology, the inclusion of
LGBTQIA+, older couples and people now in their 80s and 90s underscore the
multifaceted nature of SWB in later life. As societies continue to age, embracing a more inclusive and nuanced approach to research and interventions
will be pivotal in enhancing the overall well-being for older individuals.
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Citation
von Humboldt, S., Ribeiro-Gonçalves, J. A., Low, G., & Leal, I. (2024). What sexual well-being really means for older adults: a systematic review of the literature. Educational Gerontology, 1–36. https://doi.org/10.1080/03601277.2024.2405173
Publisher
Routledge