Yaşlılıkta Cinsel Sağlık

18th International İstanbul Scientific Research Congress, İstanbul, Türkiye, 28 - 30 Aralık 2025, cilt.1, sa.1, ss.623-627, (Tam Metin Bildiri)

ABSTRACT

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), health is not merely the absence of disease but a

state of physical, mental, and social well-being. Aging is a lifelong physiological and functional process

and is classified after the age of 65 as young-old, middle-old, and old-old. The increasing older

population worldwide and in Türkiye has made quality of life, care needs, and sexual health needs of

older adults increasingly important.

Hormonal and physical changes associated with aging—such as decreased testosterone in men and

decreased estrogen in women, menopause, vaginal atrophy, and erectile problems—may affect sexual

functioning. However, older adults are not asexual; although sexual activity declines with age, it often

continues. Sexual dysfunction is particularly common among menopausal women. Myths and stigma

surrounding sexuality in older age make it difficult for older individuals to express sexual concerns.

Additionally, following partner loss, new relationships may lead to an increased risk of sexually

transmitted infections among older adults.

Healthcare professionals should support sexual health in older adults through education, counseling,

promotion of healthy lifestyle habits, partner communication, and joint assessment of couples.

Increasing sexual health education is essential to prevent the suppression of sexuality in later life and to

maintain quality of life.