![]() Although this is still true, other elements that determine sexual behavior can be identified, such as physiological and psychosocial factors. Several studies, however, report that older adults do experience sexual impulses and desires, and attach some importance to sex. Asexual behavior is characterized by the absence of sexual attraction. It is important to note that, although the frequency of sexual activity decreases with age, older adults are not asexual. However, several studies suggest that sexual activity continues to play a fundamental role in the lives of middle-aged and older adults. ![]() Older adults were often considered asexual, and the main research topics relating to sexuality focused on young people. Until recently, most research on sexuality has excluded older people as a population. In this regard, to guarantee full and healthy sex lives among this population, it is essential to address a number of different factors affecting their sexual behavior. In addition, the literature suggests that personal, social and cultural stereotypes can have a negative impact on the sexual behavior of older adults. Depression, anxiety, lack of sexual reciprocity in the couple, a monotonous and repetitive sexual relationship and illness, among others, may be responsible for changes in sexual behavior in older adults. In recent years, a large number of factors have been identified as possible barriers limiting the sexual function, and impeding satisfying sex lives, in older adults. In this regard, it has been proposed that older adults harboring positive sexual attitudes during aging report positive sexual experiences, which may be related to other factors. Some recent studies have analyzed overall sexual attitudes (such as sexual desire and sexual satisfaction ) during aging in different age groups. Sexual activity is an important marker of quality of life in older adults, associated with mental and physical well-being, satisfactory relationships, and reduced risk of chronic diseases. Sexuality is a multifaceted construct that encompasses sexual activity, function and behavior. Sexual health is necessary for the experiencing of a full life for all people, especially in older adults, who represent a population group comprised of those aged 50 or over. Biological age in relation to stereotypical models of sexual behavior, emphasized as a risk factor in the contraction of sexual diseases, seems to play a relevant role as a factor limiting sexual behavior in older adults.Īccording to the World Health Organization (WHO), sexual health is defined as “a state of complete physical, mental, emotional and social wellbeing related with sexuality”. We identified a wide variety of physiological and psychological factors that can influence the sexual behavior of older adults, such as the presence of pathologies (erectile dysfunction and menopause), the strength of spiritual beliefs, and patriarchal roles upheld by upbringings conveying that women’s role is to provide men with sexual pleasure. The studies involved 2603 participants across seven countries, most being women (approximately 80%). A total of 16,608 references were screened and 18 qualitative studies were included in this review. The quality of the studies was assessed with a CASP-Qualitative-Checklist. To analyze the findings of the selected qualitative studies, a “Thematic Synthesis Analysis” was performed, using Eppi-Reviewer 4 software (UCL Institute of Education, University of London, UK). A bibliographical search was completed between February and April 2019, in Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed Medline, PsycINFO ProQuest and CINAHL. All stages of this review were carried out peer-to-peer in order to guarantee minimized bias. A systematic review of these qualitative studies was carried out. The aim of our review is to present the main qualitative studies analyzing how physiological and psychosocial factors affect sexual behavior in older adults. The sexual behavior of older adults, especially women, has undergone changes in recent years, though there are still certain stereotypes today related to pathophysiology, beliefs, culture and tradition that negatively affect older adults’ sexual activity.
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