[Relationship of public health and sexuality of the elderly].
Senior citizens were surveyed with respect to their sexual lives, their views of the things that give meaning to their lives, and their health. At the same time, approaches to providing sex education for the elderly were considered. Given the social sensitivity ascribed to the subject of sexual activity among the elderly, in order to obtain an accurate unbiased picture, the problem of methodology had to be addressed initially. Two methods were employed in a given region: interviews of senior citizens were conducted and a written questionnaire survey was administered on members of senior citizens' clubs or groups. Through this process the advantages and disadvantages of each method could be evaluated and a more concrete grasp of conditions governing Sexual activity among the aged was obtained. Results of this study showed that a sense of fulfillment in sexual life of a subject was associated with more meaning in life and better subjective health. Therefore the existence of an interrelationship between sexual activity, a sense of meaning in life, and personal health was confirmed. With regard to sex education for the elderly, warm, close physical contact was an aspect of sexual life which was stressed regardless of sex, age, or physical condition. Since frequency of impotence and concern with this problem were high among the men surveyed, including of a detailed discussion of this subject is considered necessary in the sex education program. This study indicated that, in addition to the current emphasis of nutrition, exercise, and rest in the health of senior citizens, sexual activity needs to also be considered as a key element.
Uchino
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Komoro Health Center, Nagano Prefecture.
Nose
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T
D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011634:Public Health; D012736:Sex Education; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires