| Room 519-B | Sexuality across the Lifecycle Tuesday, July 12, 2005 Time: 2:30 PM-4:30 PM |
Sexuality and well-being among older women : a cross-cultural approach (Brazil, France, Portugal).
Vasconcellos, Doris*,1, Ferreira Novo, Rosa *,3, Vion-Dury, Kim*,1, Kuntz, Dominique *,1, Perugini De Castro, Odair *,2, Ruschel, Angela*,2, Pinheiro De Paula Couto, Maria Clara *,2, Giami, Alain *,4, 1 Université René-Descartes, Boulogne-Billancourt, France, France3 Université de Lisbonne, Lisbonne, Portugal, Portugal2 Universidade da Terceira Idade, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil4 Inserm, Kremlin-Bicêtre, France, France
ABSTRACT- Introduction Contemporary demographic, scientific and social change raises new questions about the sexual experience of older adults, a subject neglected by researchers until recently. The relationship between sexual health and more general health issues such as self-esteem, a sense of autonomy as well as a sense of well being and quality of life has now been recognized. While aging is a bio-psycho-social process characterized by recurring physiological changes, the subjective experience of aging is influenced by cultural representations and stereotypes. This is particularly true of issues related to sexuality and aging and especially among older women. Objectives This study investigated how women, enjoying good health and an autonomous social life, accounted for experiences of sexual pleasure and satisfaction as well as how they described experiences of sexuality. A cross cultural comparison was performed with specially designed research instruments. Methods A qualitative cross-cultural research (Semi structured interview schedule was designed for use across cultures and was administered to women past menopause (52 to 74 years old) in Brazil, France and Portugal. In depth interviews were carried out by clinical psychologists with 10 women in each country (N = 30). The issues explored included : sexual experiences and relationships, self-image, perceptions of gender differences, past and present sexual and emotional experiences and current quality of life. Results Older women accounts of opportunities for sex and pleasure demonstrate the influence of past experiences. They reported a decline in their enjoyment of sexual contact over time. Renouncing sexual intercourse was most often attributed to husband poor health or lack of interest. New and fulfilling relationships, however, facilitated a revival in erotic interest.. Conclusions Although cultural differences were identified, individual experiences across the life span appear to be of paramount importance in understanding older women sexual health. Personal past experiences seem to influence present attitudes and expectations about sexuality, pleasure and love.
Key words: Women, Aging, Sexual Pleasure, Sexual health