J Korean Med Assoc.  2019 Jun;62(6):301-307. 10.5124/jkma.2019.62.6.301.

Sexual health and sexual activity in the elderly

Affiliations
  • 1Department of Urology, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Korea. kpark@jnu.ac.kr
  • 2Advance Institute of Aging Science, Chonnam National Unviersity, Gwangju, Korea.

Abstract

The increase in life expectancy has caused attention to be focused on quality of life in the elderly. Sexual health is an important part of physical health and quality of life, and poor health is associated with both a decline in sexual activity with age and sexual dysfunction. Herein, we review the topics of sexual function, sexual activity, the prevalence rate of sexual dysfunction and its risk factors, changes in sexuality-related attitudes, the relationship between sexual health and physical health, and the effects of sexual health on quality of life in the elderly. Sexual activity is associated with physical health, and is also an important component of enjoying life. Sexual activities include sexual intercourse and physical intimacy, which are indicators of sexual health in the elderly. Good physical health, stable sexual partners, and regular sexual activity are important for maintaining sexual health in old age Therefore, sexual health needs to be considered as part of the management of geriatric patients.

Keyword

Aged; Sexual health; Physical health; Sexual behavior; Sexual dysfunction

MeSH Terms

Aged*
Coitus
Humans
Life Expectancy
Prevalence
Quality of Life
Reproductive Health*
Risk Factors
Sexual Behavior*
Sexual Partners

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