Experiences and Perceptions of Sexuality of Portuguese Women over 65 years

Abstract

This study aims at understanding the sexual experiences and perceptions of Portuguese women over 65 years of age. Individual semi-structured interviews were made to 13 women (7 married and 6 widows), aged between 66 and 85 years of age, and the data gathered was analyses using thematic analysis. From this analysis 5 themes stood out - Perceptions about gender roles, Sex “obligation”, Sexuality and ageing, Fears of marriage and sexuality and Sexual Education. To the participants facing the ageing derived changes, such as the end of a sexual obligation or as an opportunity to readapt sexually, are completely connected with the conjugal relation established and the ideologies that both couple members have.

Keywords

• Mulher
• Envelhecimento
• Sexualidade
• Papéis de gênero
• Vivências e Percepções