Sexual expression in old age: How older adults from different cultures express sexually?

von Humboldt, Sofia; Gonçalves, José Alberto Ribeiro; Costa, Andrea; Low, Gail; Leal, Isabel Pereira

http://hdl.handle.net/10400.12/7627

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Authors

von Humboldt, Sofia

Gonçalves, José Alberto Ribeiro

Costa, Andrea

Low, Gail

Leal, Isabel Pereira

Abstract(s)

Objective This study aims to analyze how older adults express themselves sexually. For this purpose, a qualitative research was carried out, which analyzes their perspectives at a cross-cultural level. Methods Four hundred ninety-five older participants, aged 65 to 98 years, were interviewed. Participants were of three different nationalities and lived in the community. All the interviews went through the process of verbatim transcription and subsequent content analysis. Results A content analysis produced nine themes: tenderness and care (k = .91, p < .01); altruism and gratitude (k = .81, p < .01); attractiveness (k = 94, p < .01); positive communication (k = .89, p < .01); sexual activity (k = .88, p < .01); good health and physical condition (k = .96, p < .01); supportive relationship (k = .84, p < .01); eroticism (k = .94, p < .01); and feeling active and alive (k = .92, p < .01). Conclusions This study stressed different ways on expressing sexuality in old age and underlined the importance of tenderness and care and eroticism for older adults who are sexually active.