Talia Kasif1, Tova Band-Winterstein2. 1. Department of Gerontology, University of Haifa, Israel. Electronic address: kasiftali@gmail.com. 2. Department of Gerontology, University of Haifa, Israel. Electronic address: twinters@research.haifa.ac.il.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Sexuality is a significant component in human experience and has an important impact on the individual's general well-being. Life course events and the social construction of sexuality lead older widows to reflect upon their sexuality. PURPOSE: To explore and describe the ways in which older widows construct and perceive their sexuality along the life course. METHOD: A phenomenological-qualitative approach was conducted. Data collection was performed through in-depth, semi-structured interviews with 17 widows, between the ages of 62-91, followed by content analysis. RESULTS: Three major themes emerged: (a) Approaching sexuality: Conservative vs. progressive attitudes; (b) Multiple ways of perceiving sexuality: Constructing a sexual identity along the life course; and (c) Sexual self-perception: Integrating late life and widowhood. CONCLUSION: Sexuality among widows in later life includes continuity and change processes. In the context of social construction, sexuality is a subject that should be examined in greater depth.
BACKGROUND: Sexuality is a significant component in human experience and has an important impact on the individual's general well-being. Life course events and the social construction of sexuality lead older widows to reflect upon their sexuality. PURPOSE: To explore and describe the ways in which older widows construct and perceive their sexuality along the life course. METHOD: A phenomenological-qualitative approach was conducted. Data collection was performed through in-depth, semi-structured interviews with 17 widows, between the ages of 62-91, followed by content analysis. RESULTS: Three major themes emerged: (a) Approaching sexuality: Conservative vs. progressive attitudes; (b) Multiple ways of perceiving sexuality: Constructing a sexual identity along the life course; and (c) Sexual self-perception: Integrating late life and widowhood. CONCLUSION: Sexuality among widows in later life includes continuity and change processes. In the context of social construction, sexuality is a subject that should be examined in greater depth.