Portellos Amelia, Lynch Claire, Joosten Annette
School of Allied Health, Australian Catholic University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
Br J Occup Ther. 2023 Jul;86(7):515-526. doi: 10.1177/03080226231164277. Epub 2023 Apr 12.
Sexuality contributes to health and wellbeing, but it is often overlooked as an important occupation for older adults. Older adult studies focus on decreased participation and functioning in sexual acts. This study aimed to obtain perspectives and explore understandings and experiences of sexuality and of support needs, for typically ageing adults.
Seventy-five older adults aged 60 years and older participated in the online cross-sectional survey. Participants were primarily from Australia, the United States, and the United Kingdom. Closed questions were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, and reflexive thematic analysis was used for open questions.
Throughout the ageing process, older adults continued to value their sexuality, expression, desire, and identity, though meanings and participation changed. Changes and challenges were overcome through openness, exploration, curiosity, valued relationships, and adaptations to ways of doing. Older adults identified being dissatisfied with current sexual health supports, resources, and services.
Healthcare professionals need to develop intervention knowledge to address diverse needs, and better support older adults in sexuality through open discussion, addressing psychological, social, and health concerns as part of everyday practice. The development of standardized assessments and resources with consumer collaboration will ensure resources address multifaceted components of sexuality, and older adults' needs.
性取向对健康和幸福有影响，但它常被忽视，未被视为老年人的一项重要活动。老年研究聚焦于性行为参与度和功能的下降。本研究旨在获取典型老龄成年人对性取向的看法，探索他们对性取向、支持需求的理解和经历。
75名60岁及以上的老年人参与了在线横断面调查。参与者主要来自澳大利亚、美国和英国。对封闭式问题采用描述性和推断性统计进行分析，对开放式问题采用反思性主题分析。
在整个衰老过程中，老年人虽然性取向的意义和参与度发生了变化，但他们仍重视自己的性取向、表达、欲望和身份认同。老年人通过开放心态、探索、好奇心、珍视人际关系以及对行为方式的调整，克服了各种变化和挑战。老年人表示对当前的性健康支持、资源和服务不满意。
医疗保健专业人员需要积累干预知识，以满足多样化需求，并通过开放讨论，将解决心理、社会和健康问题作为日常工作的一部分，更好地在性取向方面支持老年人。与消费者合作开发标准化评估和资源，将确保这些资源能满足性取向的多方面要素以及老年人的需求。
