BACKGROUND: Sexuality in the elderly is still a social taboo. A commitment by medical practices to address the topic of sexuality in later life is essential, given that the sexual health is part of the quality of life. OBJECTIVES: Identification of barriers and discourse of effects in the physician's behavior when dealing with the sexuality of older people. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Review and discussion of interdisciplinary literature and social discourse. Compilation of expert opinions. RESULTS: Although the introduction of phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors led to a removal of taboos concerning erectile dysfunction, the sexuality of older men became narrowed to physiological aspects. The elderly still complain that consultations concerning their sexuality receives too little attention in medical practice. Problems are boundaries of shame and disregard of the sexuality of elderly. CONCLUSIONS: Sexuality in old age will have to become more prominent in medical practices, due to demographic changes and changing self-images of the elderly. The social role of physicians enables straightforward discussions about sexuality. Taking a sexual history and choosing an active approach proved to be practicable to discuss sexual problems with older people.
BACKGROUND: Sexuality in the elderly is still a social taboo. A commitment by medical practices to address the topic of sexuality in later life is essential, given that the sexual health is part of the quality of life. OBJECTIVES: Identification of barriers and discourse of effects in the physician's behavior when dealing with the sexuality of older people. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Review and discussion of interdisciplinary literature and social discourse. Compilation of expert opinions. RESULTS: Although the introduction of phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors led to a removal of taboos concerning erectile dysfunction, the sexuality of older men became narrowed to physiological aspects. The elderly still complain that consultations concerning their sexuality receives too little attention in medical practice. Problems are boundaries of shame and disregard of the sexuality of elderly. CONCLUSIONS: Sexuality in old age will have to become more prominent in medical practices, due to demographic changes and changing self-images of the elderly. The social role of physicians enables straightforward discussions about sexuality. Taking a sexual history and choosing an active approach proved to be practicable to discuss sexual problems with older people.
Entities:
Keywords:
Aging; Life expectancy; Phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors; Quality of life; Sexual history