[Sexuality in the aged].

The demographic development in the western industrial societies makes the quality of life of older people a very important issue. Leading a satisfying sexual life is part of this. The picture of older people as asexual humans can no longer be maintained. Recent studies show that the fundamental psychosociological need for acceptance, tenderness, warmness and security does not disappear with age. Sexual activity in the age primarily depends on the existence of a partnership. Sexual dysfunctions in aging result from physical, psychological, and partner-related changes, as well as lifestyles. This has to be considered in diagnosis and treatment. Principally, there is no difference between the treatment of older and younger sexual partners