|
|
Sexuality in old age
KOSOVÁ, Kateřina
Age and sex are two terms that are not frequently associated with each other. Sexuality is a natural part of human nature, accompanying people throughout their whole lives, still in old age. The elderly are often considered asexual by society, and therefore they feel too shy to speak out about problems they are facing in their sexual lives. In this paper, physiological and psychosocial changes the old age brings about, ailments and sexual dysfunctions that may affect seniors´ sexuality, and myths that make sexuality in old age taboo in society are described. The objective of this thesis was to deal with society´s perception of sexuality in old age. The first sub-objective was to determine how seniors´ sexuality is perceived by students and people at productive age. The second sub-objective was to find out seniors´ attitudes towards sexuality in old age. The survey was conducted using quantitative research, an interrogation method, a semi-directed interviewing technique. The research set was composed of 30 respondents divided into 3 groups. The first group consisted of students, the second was comprised of people in productive age and the third group was formed by seniors. Each group thus included 10 respondents. The research was carried out in the South Bohemian region for four months from mid-January to mid-May 2009. The research results have shown small but very interesting divergences in the approach to sexuality in old age. Seniors accept sexuality in old age better than students and people in productive age. Unlike seniors, a majority of students and people in productive age perceive sexuality in old age as a taboo subject in society. The research has also shown that seniors are satisfied with their sexual lives to the same extent as students are. Generally this issue is perceived in society with some embarrassment, but positively. This thesis could improve society´s awareness of sexuality in old age, break a social taboo and make it easier for seniors to enjoy their intimate lives. Furthermore, the survey could be beneficial for students and related professionals.
|
guest ::
