Abstract
Sexual well-being (SWB) refers to the subjective emotional and cognitive evaluation of the quality of the individual's sexuality. SWB plays a relevant role in quality of life and health promotion on old age and has cross-cultural implications. In addition to the scarcity of in-depth qualitative studies in this area and studies with cross-cultural samples, no studies have compared perceptions of SWB among Portuguese and Mexican older adults. The aim of this study was to comparatively analyze perspectives on SWB among older adults residing in Portugal and Mexico. Data were collected from 86 Portuguese and 80 Mexican community-dwelling participants aged 65years and older, using a semi-structured interview protocol. Older adults were asked about factors that significantly contribute to their SWB. Sociodemographic data were also gathered. Content analysis was used to identify key themes. Eight themes were identified across both studied samples: eroticism, supportive relationship, positive self-concept, health and self-care, romance, active life, tenderness and care, and no pain and no pregnancy restrictions. Eroticism was most pertinent to Portuguese participants (31.4%). Health and self-care was most frequently reported by Mexican participants (26.5%). The findings of this study indicate that SWB is strongly influenced by sociocultural and psychosocial values. Cross-cultural comparisons between older Portuguese and Mexican people provide a broader understanding of SWB in older age and suggest a scenario for future culture-adapted interventions and comprehensive policies.
Highlights
Population aging has become a global reality and is a growing trend associated with rising average life expectancy (World Health Organization [WHO], 2015)
We analyzed eight non-mutually exclusive themes that represented the cultural diversity of narratives expressed by older Portuguese and Mexican people: eroticism, supportive relationship, positive self-concept, health and self-care, romance, active life, tenderness and care, and no pain and no pregnancy restrictions
Analysis of participant interviews generated eight non-mutually exclusive themes related to the older adult perspectives on Sexual well-being (SWB): eroticism, supportive relationship, positive self-concept, health and self-care, romance, active life, tenderness and care, and no pain and no pregnancy restrictions
Summary
Population aging has become a global reality and is a growing trend associated with rising average life expectancy (World Health Organization [WHO], 2015). By the year 2050, the older adult population is estimated to be two billion people (United Nations [UN], 2015; WHO, 2015). The impact of this growth will vary among countries. For the period 2020/2030, the WHO aims to implement a health model focused on the promotion of older adult well-being, with less importance given to the disease-centered model (WHO, 2015). Sexual well-being (SWB) and health have gained increasing importance, evidencing their relevant role toward well-being, quality of life, and disease prevention and health promotion in old age (Kleinstäuber, 2017; WHO, 2010)
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