Abstract

SANTOS, Luiz Antônio et al. Experiences of sexuality in older heterosexual couples: findings from brazil. Psic., Saúde & Doenças [online]. 2023, vol.24, n.3, pp.1118-1129.  Epub Dec 31, 2023. ISSN 1645-0086.  https://doi.org/10.15309/23psd240326.

The increase in the world elderly population brings with it the need for healthy aging, and understanding sexual satisfaction in elderly couples represents an important aspect to be considered in the concept of quality of life. To understand the experience of sexuality in elderly couples monitored in a geriatric outpatient clinic at a referral hospital in Pernambuco, Brazil. The methodological approach used was qualitative, with convenience sampling and semi-structured interviews with elderly couples. Six heterosexual couples were interviewed individually and the main results found were decreased sexual satisfaction over time, tendency of couples not to consider sexuality important at the present time, relationship conflicts, sexual activity restricted to the genital area in the perception of husbands and intense suffering of husbands for not completing the sexual act. The contextual and socio-cultural factors had a great influence on the sexual satisfaction of elderly couples throughout their lives. A phallocentric pattern of sexual activity and the absence of a female voice in the couple’s dynamics were found to perpetuate this pattern. Aging is a process of change and sexual dissatisfaction can make it more difficult.

Keywords : Elderly couples; Elderly; Sexual satisfaction; Qualitative research.

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