Sexuality among older people in rural areas

Sexuality among elderly people remains a topic that is rarely discussed during consultations particularly in rural and semi-rural areas due to societal and religious taboos. This study aims to gather information on the experiences and expectations of elderly people regarding discussions about their sexual health with their doctor. We therefore assessed the experiences and expectations of a population of elderly patients consulting their primary care physician with regard to discussing sexuality. The study involved 34 patients with an average age of 70 and a predominance of males (sex ratio M/F = 1.12). 85% of subjects were open to discussing sexuality and 57% expressed sexual satisfaction. 93% did not feel uncomfortable when discussing this topic. 52% considered their general practitioner to be the best person to talk to about sexual complaints. The main barriers to discussing sexuality are an insufficiently developed relationship with the doctor (32%) and the fear of being misunderstood (20%). It is therefore important to raise awareness among doctors about the sexuality of older people as this would improve the quality of life of this population and the care they receive.