Understanding Of Sexuality By Elderly Men From A Rural Area

Abstract

Objective: understand the meaning of sexuality for elderly men from a rural area. Method: qualitative research with an exploratory and descriptive design, developed with 23 elderly men from a rural area between 60 and 69 years of age. The data were collected by completing a socioeconomic and health survey and by holding a single, individual semistructured interview at the participants' homes. The data were analyzed using Bardin's thematic content analysis technique. Results: the understanding of sexuality is closely linked to the construction of the sexual and love relationship, with new conformations in sexual practices and with interferences from the chronological age and health problems. Conclusion: for the study participants, the meaning of sexuality associated with sexual practice itself, with the actual sexual act stands out. Nevertheless, the more subjective understanding of sexuality based on affection and love relationships is also present, which includes feelings, kindness, caresses and dialogue between the partners.