Abstract

LLANES BETANCOURT, Caridad. Sexuality in the elderly. Rev Cubana Enfermer [online]. 2013, vol.29, n.3, pp. 223-232. ISSN 0864-0319.

Care of the elderly has achieved notable development. However, there are still attitudes tending to reject or ignore sexual activity in this age group. A bibliographic review was conducted with the purpose of analyzing some considerations about sexuality in the elderly. It was found that sexuality in this age group is guided by two criteria: First, the indirect association established between sexuality and reproduction, by which sexual activity is only "normal" in reproductive ages. Therefore, there is no reason for elderly persons to practice it. Second, the "sick old man" prejudice, embedded both in elderly patients and in the medical and nursing personnel caring for them. It is concluded that sexual problems may emotionally impoverish and therefore worsen the quality of life of elderly persons. Sexual history should be part of the general medical record, so that elderly persons may receive comprehensive care, including their sexuality.

Keywords : elderly person; sexuality; the elderly; aging.

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