Sexualität im Alter

ZUSAMMENFASSUNG

Hintergrund Sexualität spielt auch im höheren Lebensalter eine wichtige Rolle und ist mit der Lebensqualität verknüpft, doch wird dieser Zusammenhang weiterhin tabuisiert.

Methoden Selektive Literaturübersicht ergänzt durch eigene klinische Erfahrungen zu Bedeutung, Einflussfaktoren und Stigmatisierung von Sexualität im Alter.

Ergebnisse Körperliche und psychische Erkrankungen sowie Medikation haben Einfluss auf die Sexualität. Während die sexuelle Aktivität im hohen Lebensalter abnimmt, bleibt die sexuelle Zufriedenheit weiterhin bestehen. Doch haben sich aus objektiven, altersbedingt zunehmenden Einschränkungen Stigmata entwickelt, die das Bild von sexueller Gesundheit im Alter prägen. Neben der öffentlichen Stigmatisierung spielt auch die institutionelle Stigmatisierung eine wichtige Rolle; so fehlt meist ein offenes Ansprechen des sexuellen Erlebens im Arzt-Patienten-Kontakt.

Fazit Die medizinischen Bedingungen für eine erfüllte Alterssexualität sind besser denn je. Medizinisches Personal sollte nicht nur mögliche Erkrankungen sowie Polypharmazie als Risikofaktoren für Beeinträchtigung im Blick haben, sondern auch die sexuelle Gesundheit ihrer Patienten in jedem Lebensalter unterstützen.

ABSTRACT

Background Sexuality plays an important role in old age and is linked to quality of life, but this connection is still a taboo topic.

Methods Selective literature review supplemented by own clinical experience on the importance, influencing factors and stigmatization of sexuality in old age.

Results Physical and mental illnesses as well as medication have an impact on sexuality. While sexual activity decreases in old age, sexual satisfaction persists. But stigmata have developed from objective, age-related restrictions that shape the image of sexual health in old age. In addition to public stigmatization, institutional stigmatization also plays an important role; so, there is usually no open addressing of the sexual experience in doctor-patient contact.

Conclusion The medical conditions for fulfilling sexuality in older age are better than ever. Medical staff should not only keep an eye on possible diseases and polypharmacy as risk factors for impairment, but also support the sexual health of their patients at all ages.

Schlüsselwörter

Sexualität - Alter - Stigma

Key words

Sexuality - aged - stigma

Publication History

Article published online:
06 December 2021

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