Sexualidade no envelhecimento: qual a relação entre sexualidade e qualidade de vida em idosos?

Abstract

The aging process determines a series of changes over the years, whether they are physiological, biological and psychosocial changes. It has been noticed an increase in the life expectancy of the elderly, increasing the search for health services. In this context, sexuality in aging is a taboo, where society represses the elderly, often treating them as asexual. However, it should be considered that sexuality contributes positively to the quality of life. The present study aims to analyze the relationship between sexuality and quality of life in the elderly attended at a physiotherapy school clinic. This is a descriptive field research with a quantitative approach. A structured questionnaire was developed, prepared by the researcher, containing self-reported questions about socio-demographic, clinical data and about the sexuality and quality of life of the elderly. The results show that 43% had sexual activity, 53% sexual inactivity and 5% never had sexual intercourse. The importance of sexuality for quality of life was recognized by 52% of the elderly. The incidence of chronic diseases appears as the main aspect that affects the sexuality of these individuals, as well as their quality of life. And all participants recognized physical therapy as an important factor for improving quality of life. It is expected, therefore, to reinforce the importance of sexuality in the lives of the elderly, favoring a better self-esteem and quality of life and, also, to highlight the role of physiotherapy that enables an active old age, through specific exercises and techniques aimed at performance and experience of sexuality.