Psychotherapy in old age: older adults’ sexual distress concerning their sexual well-being
Sofia von Humboldt, José Alberto Ribeiro-Gonçalves, Gail Low, Isabel Leal
Abstract
Age and sexual difficulties show a relevant influence in older adults’ sexual well-being (SWB). The objective of this study was to assess sexual issues that affect SWB, revealed by older adults in person-centered therapy, using qualitative research. Interviews with 114 older participants, aged 65 to 82 years, living in the community were submitted to content analysis. Eight main themes emerged from the results of the content analysis: Partner unavailability, family issues, physical changes, worries about hygiene, sexual dysfunctions, fear of physical abuse, and sexual transmitted diseases. This study was relevant toward identifying the sexual issues older adults feel regarding their SWB, as shared in therapy. Older adults referred their greatest issues to be partner unavailability, sexual dysfunctions and physical changes due to aging.