Envelhecimento e sexualidade: ouvindo o homem idoso de camada popular

Abstract

This study aimed to understand the sexuality experiences of elderly men in their aging process. It also aimed: to understand the family concepts; the experiences of sexuality of the elderly in the family; and identify if there is the practice of sex or other forms of sexuality of the elderly. This is an exploratory qualitative research that used for data collection a semi-structured questionnaire and content analysis. Twelve men participated in the interviews, six of them married and six unmarried. The following thematic categories were proposed: aging, sexuality, family, aging and sexuality. Aging was analyzed by the following categories: aging as a natural process; aging as loss of ability: independence vs. disability; aging as a gift and life; aging as a short and long term quality of life; being old x elderly. Data regarding the thematic category sexuality were organized around the following analytical categories: sexuality as sex; sexuality as a sex life; sexuality as desire; sexuality as a relationship with people and with society. As a result, it was found that older men accept old age as a natural process, but stereotypes of old age were linked to negative aspects. Older people fear dependence and disability. They do not feel old, but they call themselves elderly and not old. Regarding sexuality, the idea of sex prevails as a sexual practice closely linked to genitality. It can be seen that those who can feel an erection are in their seventies, and those in their eighties tend to diminish this function. However, the longing remains through the years.