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Illness, disability and sex in aging

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Abstract

Age needs to be considered a significant factor to avoid abusive generalizations about sexuality in the elderly. Contributory factors include physiological change, the social environment of the elderly, their living conditions and companionship opportunities. Growing old does not necessarily discontinue a healthy sexual life, but it does call for redefining its expression. This paper discusses the multidimensionality of sexuality in the elderly, emphasizing the impacts of illness and disability. Analysis of 80 semi-structured interviews and life histories reveals some elements of the conjugal and sexual life of persons of that cohort.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Département de Sexologie, Université du Québec à Montréal, Succursale Centre-ville, C.P. 8888, H3C 3P8, Montréal, Qc, Canada

    Denise Badeau Ph.D.

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  1. Denise Badeau Ph.D.
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Badeau, D. Illness, disability and sex in aging. Sex Disabil 13, 219–237 (1995). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02590069

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