Baudoux, Brandon
Sexuality in older adults: Challenges and opportunities in general practice
- 2024.
56
Contemporary society is faced with an increasingly aging population, highlighting the often neglected importance of sexuality in older adults for overall health. General practitioners (GPs) play a major role as patients’ first point of contact. This study explores how GPs deal with the sexuality of older people, identifying barriers and suggesting improvements. The study uses a combination of research and interviews with 9 doctors in Wallonia and identifies obstacles reported by the doctor, the patient, and the socio-cultural environment. Doctors recognize the importance of their role and the complexity of the task. Overcoming these obstacles is crucial, requiring knowledge and skills. Avenues for improvement include awareness-raising, training, teamwork, efficient care networks, and optimal consultation organization. Dealing with sexuality among older people means adapting to each individual situation and taking into account medical, psychological, and social aspects of care. To improve this approach, a consultation guide for general practitioners is proposed.