Abstract
Sexuality in older people is a multifaceted field of study. Ageing may offer opportunities for and restrictions on sexuality. Ageing individuals may have increased time for and may wish to explore their sexuality, for example, by considering a same-sex relationship, after a long-term partner dies. However, they may also lack a partner or autonomy. They may develop or have increased symptoms from chronic diseases. Consequent medication may affect their sexual functioning. Their attitudes to sex often change and their capacity for sexual activity may diminish unless they seek help. However, they may lack the confidence to do so and the health professionals consulted may be disinclined or ill-equipped to assist them. They may have concerns regarding how their sexuality or their sexual orientation would be perceived should they require residential care or start to lose their memory. We consider the recent work relating to this broad range of influences on sexuality in old age and conclude that, whilst the challenge for researchers is to accurately clarify the impact of individual factors on sexuality and identify helpful potential interventions, increased academic and educational focus on this area is enhancing the prospects for a sexually enjoyable old age.
Zusammenfassung
Die Sexualität älterer Menschen als Forschungsgebiet hat viele Facetten. Im Hinblick auf die Sexualität kann das Älterwerden mit Chancen, aber auch mit Einschränkungen verbunden sein. Ältere Menschen haben unter Umständen mehr Zeit, ihre Sexualität auszuleben, und können den Wunsch verspüren, Neues zu erkunden, indem sie z. B. nach dem Tod einer langjährigen Partnerin oder eines langjährigen Partners eine gleichgeschlechtliche sexuelle Beziehung beginnen. Es kann ihnen jedoch auch an einer Partnerin bzw. einem Partner oder an der nötigen Autonomie mangeln. Stärkere Symptome chronischer Erkrankungen oder die ständige Einnahme von Medikamenten können ihre sexuellen Funktionen beeinträchtigen. Auch ihre Einstellung zur Sexualität verändert sich häufig, und ihre sexuelle Leistungsfähigkeit kann nachlassen, sodass sie Hilfe suchen müssten. Gerade dafür kann es ihnen jedoch an Selbstvertrauen fehlen, oder die Fachleute, die sie konsultieren, können unwillig oder schlecht darauf vorbereitet sein, ihnen tatsächlich zu helfen. Ältere Menschen können sich Sorgen darüber machen, wie ihre Sexualität oder sexuelle Orientierung wahrgenommen wird, wenn sie einmal stationäre Pflege brauchen oder ihre Gedächtnisleistung nachlässt. Nach einer Durchsicht der aktuellen Studien über die vielfältigen Einflüsse auf die Sexualität im Alter kommen wir zu dem Schluss, dass die Herausforderung für die Forschung darin besteht, die Wirkung individueller Faktoren auf die Sexualität zu klären und potenziell hilfreiche Interventionen zu benennen. Gleichzeitig geht es darum, diesen Bereich noch stärker in den akademischen und pädagogischen Fokus zu rücken, damit die Aussichten auf ein sexuell erfülltes Alter steigen.
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Wylie, K., Wood, A. & McManus, R. Sexuality and old age. Bundesgesundheitsbl. 56, 223–230 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00103-012-1602-4
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00103-012-1602-4