Experiences of sexuality of older cisgender gay men: a systematic review and meta-synthesis of qualitative studies.

This paper presents a systematic review and meta-synthesis to synthesize and reinterpret findings of primary qualitative studies on older cisgender gay men's experience of sexuality and seeking healthcare services. Following the SPIDER search strategy and PRISMA guidelines, bibliographic search was conducted on the CINAHL, LILACS, Oasisbr, APA PsycInfo, PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus and Web of Science databases. Two independent researchers screened and selected the articles, collected data and elaborated a thematic synthesis. Of the 2,382 studies identified in the databases, 30 articles met the inclusion and exclusion criteria and were selected, totaling 849 gay men between 50 and 95 years old. Analysis produced four descriptive themes: (1) Living history: perceptions on the impact of historical and cultural development on experiencing sexuality; (2) Aging as a gay man: understandings on becoming and being a new body and self; (3) Caring for a social network: severing, building and maintaining bonds; (4) Handling health and professional care. From it were developed three analytical themes: (1) (Un)doing gay men through a dehumanizing gaze; (2) Oldness as performance; (3) To care is to care about. The discriminatory manner society perceives older gay men produces specific isolation from public life, gay communities, and health care services. Punitive laws against their sexuality, negative media representation, lack of proper care and family, community, and spiritual support interfered with their self-care and care seeking habits. Culturally sensitive future measures in policymaking and healthcare services are needed to properly care for this population.