Sex for seniors: how physicians discuss older adult’s sexuality

BACKGROUND: This study examined physicians’ perspectives on sexuality in later life. METHODS: In-depth interviews were conducted among 38 physicians with various specialties and they were asked to discuss sexuality in later life within the medical context. RESULTS: Perceptions on older adult’s sexuality emerged from the interviews were organized into three themes: What, why and how. What, referred to physician’s definition to what role sexuality plays in later life and what is considered sex. Why, referred to the reasons why physicians assumed older adults experience sexual difficulties, and how these assumptions effect the diagnostic process. How, referred to how sexual difficulties were treated by physicians. Physicians employed a bio-medical approach when treating older, as compared to young adults with sexual dysfunction. CONCLUSIONS: The findings highlight a potential for differential treatment of older adults, based on age, rather than on other objective reasons.