TY - JOUR
T1 - How do older people discuss their own sexuality? A systematic review of qualitative research studies
AU - Gerwitz-Meydan, Ateret
AU - Hafford-Letchfield, Trish
AU - Ayalon, Liat
AU - Benyamini, Yael
AU - Biermann, Violetta
AU - Coffey, Alice
AU - Jackson, Jeanne
AU - Phelan, Amanda
AU - Voß, Peggy
AU - Geiger Zeman, Marija
AU - Zeman, Zdenko
PY - 2018/6/4
Y1 - 2018/6/4
N2 - This study captured older people’s attitudes and concerns about sex and sexuality in later life by synthesising qualitative research published on this issue. The systematic review was conducted between November 2015 and June 2016 based on a pre-determined protocol. Key words were used to ensure a precise search strategy. Empirically based, qualitative literature from 18 databases was found. Twenty studies met the inclusion criteria. Thomas and Harden’s thematic synthesis was used to generate ‘analytical themes’ which summarise this body of literature. Three main themes were identified: (a) social legitimacy for sexuality in later life; (b) health, not age, is what truly impacts sexuality, and (c) the hegemony of penetrative sex. The themes illustrate the complex and delicate relation between ageing and sexuality. Older adults facing health issues that affect sexual function adopt broader definitions of sexuality and sexual activity.
AB - This study captured older people’s attitudes and concerns about sex and sexuality in later life by synthesising qualitative research published on this issue. The systematic review was conducted between November 2015 and June 2016 based on a pre-determined protocol. Key words were used to ensure a precise search strategy. Empirically based, qualitative literature from 18 databases was found. Twenty studies met the inclusion criteria. Thomas and Harden’s thematic synthesis was used to generate ‘analytical themes’ which summarise this body of literature. Three main themes were identified: (a) social legitimacy for sexuality in later life; (b) health, not age, is what truly impacts sexuality, and (c) the hegemony of penetrative sex. The themes illustrate the complex and delicate relation between ageing and sexuality. Older adults facing health issues that affect sexual function adopt broader definitions of sexuality and sexual activity.
KW - sex
KW - intimacy
KW - ageing
KW - thematic synthesis
U2 - 10.1080/13691058.2018.1465203
DO - 10.1080/13691058.2018.1465203
M3 - Article
SN - 1369-1058
VL - 21
SP - 293
EP - 308
JO - Culture, Health and Sexuality
JF - Culture, Health and Sexuality
IS - 3
ER -