Sexuality in Elderly Adults: Study on Knowledge and Attitudes Related to Sexuality in Older Adults

INTRODUCTION: Aging is a universal and natural phenomenon that causes structural and physiological changes. It is a process of deterioration, progressive and intrinsic.

OBJECTIVE: Determining the level of knowledge and attitudes about sexuality in older adults living in three centers.

MATERIALS & METHODS: A cross- sectional descriptive study in 80 elderly adults enrolled and attending three life centers on the City of Cartagena, Questionnaires about Knowledge on Sexual Health of the Elderly (2007) and the Attitude Scale towards Sexuality were applied in the Elderly Adult (Scale ACASAM-MM-2013).

RESULTS: On a population of elderly adults, female sex predominated 58%, average age of 74 years, adults widowers 35% of the total population, and 31% maintain a relationship. Older adults reported having inadequate knowledge in relation to the three sessions evaluated, the access section to a couple predominated, they reflected having an average general attitude, being the cognitive and volitional component those of greater significance.

CONCLUSION: The attitudes that reflect the elderly is favorable, being so, that the elderly are clear that society notice them regarding sexuality, and are autonomous to express and experience it.