Äldres sexualitet - hinder och möjligheter i vårdgivarens främjande arbete. : En deskriptiv litteraturstudie

The aim of this study was to describe how elderly’s sexuality can be expressed and to describe factors that affect older people's sexuality. The aim was also to describe the opportunities and barriers to health care providers to promote older people's sexuality and to describe the articles quality based on the methodological aspect of selection. A literature review with a descriptive approach was conducted on four qualitative and ten quantitative articles. The included articles were published between 2003 and 2013. Databases used for article search was PubMed, Cinahl and PsychInfo with the following keywords: Sexuality, Nurses, Aged, Geriatrics, Attitude Of Health Personnel, Residential Facilities, Quality Of Life, Older Adults. The Main results showed that elderly’s sexuality manifested itself in many different ways. The intimacy was to some extent more important than the actual intercourse. In general, poor health, diagnosed diseases, medical treatments and advanced aged had a negative impact on older people's sexuality. A clear policy with guidelines, education and guidance for staff were alternative ways to promote older people's sexuality. Caregiver’s uncertainty and negative attitude about the management and treatment of older people's sexuality was barriers to promoting older people's sexuality. Finally, inadequate or completely lack of guidance on the subject elderly and sexuality was barriers to promoting elderlies sexuality. Older people's sexuality is expressed highly individual and influenced by individual circumstances and situation. Few studies have been conducted on the subject elderly and sexuality, which is why further research in the area is necessary for further evidence. For proper care to be able to be performed more training and research is required in the subject elderly and sexuality