Over seksuele gezondheid bij ouderen heerst nog steeds een taboe

There is still a taboo surrounding sexual health in older adults This article comprises a narrative literature review of sexual health in older adults, a topic that remains taboo. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), sexuality is an essential aspect of human existence throughout one’s entire life. It is a common misconception that older adults are no longer interested in intimacy and sex. However, research shows that individuals over the age of 65 remain sexually active. For instance, one in three Belgians over 70 years is still sexually active, comparable to their Dutch and American peers. In addition to sexual intercourse, other forms of sexual activity, such as masturbation, oral sex, and especially tenderness (kissing, cuddling etc.) are very common. Moreover, sexually active older adults seem to be satisfied with their sex life. Sexual satisfaction is associated with better physical health, fewer depressive symptoms and a better quality of life. Unfortunately, caregivers often see older adults as ‘asexual’ or the opposite ‘oversexed’ if they show their interest in sex. Moreover, sexuality in older adults is insufficiently addressed in the training of health-care professionals and these negative stereotypes or ‘sexual ageism’ are rarely discussed. As a result, caregivers pay too little attention to the sexual health of their older patients and don’t take the initiative to discuss this topic. This allows sexual problems, sexually transmitted infections (STI’s) and sexual violence among older adults to go unnoticed. To promote sexual health in the older population, there is an urgent need for increased awareness and research about sexuality in older adults, fewer prejudices and better training of health care professionals.