Sexuality and the elderly: factors implicated in sexual dysfunctions in the elderly

Abstract

The debate about sexuality, a key parameter of the quality of lifeof older people in the aging process, has undoubtedly matured in recent years, due to the problems that older people face in this regard. The aim of the present review is the theoretical approach, both of the changes that take place in the physiology of sexual function of elderly people and of the factors and situations that are blamed for the occurrence of these dysfunctions. For the writing of this review, a systematic approach was used to search and identify all recently published literature (articles, studies and reviews) related το the factors that cause Sexual Dysfunctions in Elderly, through the scientific databases Pub Med, Academia.Edu, Research Gate. Pathophysiological and anatomical changes, organic and psychological problems, which occur over time, negatively affect the frequency of sexual intercourse, sexual desire and in general the sexuality of older people. Older men, on the one hand, have mainly problems with erectile dysfunction, problematic ejaculation and decreased sexual desire, while women, on the other hand, mainly due to menopause, which causes hormonal, physical and mental changes, mainly show reduced sexual desire and stimulation, insufficiency of vaginal lubrication and dyspareunia. Older people have a variety of health problems that have a negative effect on their sexual activity, while each gender is faced with specific problems, medical, pharmaceutical and psychosocial reasons, which negatively affect their sex life