Exploration of Older People’s concerns about expression of their sexual desires in Bukan

Abstract

Introduction: Aging is associated with a variety of physical and psychological changes that affect different aspects of a person's life. Despite stereotypes, sex is important during aging and affects a person's quality of life. Sexual expression includes three components: sexual behavior, sexual intercourse, and sexual identity, which are considered to be related to sexual function and satisfaction. In this regard, not paying attention to solving the sexual problems of the elderly and removing the obstacles in front of them in expressing sexual desires, can have consequences such as the occurrence and exacerbation of mental and psychological problems and reduce their quality of life. Aims: The present study explains the concerns and obstacles facing the expression of sexual desire among older adults in Bukan (West Azerbaijan). Methods and Materials: This qualitative study with a conventional content analysis approach was conducted in 2019-2020. The participants were elderly people over 60 years of age who were invited to participate in the study using the purposeful sampling method and considering the maximum variation. Data was collected and analyzed simultaneously using semi-structured individual interviews (15 face-to-face interviews and 4 telephone interviews). Data analysis was performed using MAXQDA software version 12. Results: The findings were categorized into four main categories and 13 subcategories, including: declining sex life (decreased sexual desire, illness, and physical weakness), traces of life's troubles (livelihood bottlenecks, reminiscent of bitter memories, lack of sincere relationships, and lack of privacy), sexually disappointing behaviors (non-compliance with sexual partners, negative and unpleasant feedback, lack of expression by woman, lack of vitality, lack of beauty and sexual attraction) and stereotypes in sex (aging; the beginning of the end of sexual life normative sexual beliefs of women). Conclusion: Sexual function in elderly is a phenomenon affected by various factors with different natures. The phenomenon is overshadowed by physical condition, marital suffering, stereotypical beliefs about sex during old age, and sexual partner-perceived feedback. Accordingly, removing obstacles requires laying the groundwork in individual, cultural. and social dimensions. Bedding.