[Attitudes towards eroticism and sexuality in the elderly over 60 years of age].

BACKGROUND

Sexual activities in the elderly were considered as a taboo for a long time. Therefore only few empirical results exist regarding sexuality in higher age. This paper presents results of interviews with persons at the age of 60 years or older regarding their sexual activities and aspects of eroticism.

PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS

N = 728 persons at the age of 60 years or older were interviewed by means of structured interviews and questionnaires.

RESULTS

Relationship-oriented aspects like confidence, love, faith and communication with the partner were more important than aspects like passion, change or physical attraction. Compared with people younger than 60 years, sexual activity is regarded as less important. This is mainly explained by the elderly with body complaints. Men wish more sexual activity than women, but experience more body complaints than women. Women more often than men have no partner for sexual activity.

CONCLUSIONS

Sexuality in the elderly is not only influenced by body functions. Important factors are also relationship-oriented aspects, subjective attitudes regarding one's own body, subjects health and attitudes regarding sexuality.