Linking the past and the present: constructing meaning from childhood emotional and sexual experiences towards present sexual well-being in older adults

Abstract

How do older adults make sense of early sexual experiences with regard to their present sexual well-being? In 2016, a qualitative study on sexual well-being was undertaken among 65- to 85-year-olds of different genders, sexual orientations, and from different social layers. Thirty-two individuals were interviewed. In a thematic analysis, five main subjects were constructed, each showing variability in experience and understanding, while at the same time showing examples of meanings given to the relationship between early emotional and sexual experiences and present sexual well-being. The study indicates that the lack of understanding of one’s own sexual history may be a consequence of lacking knowledge about sexuality and the psychological aspects of one’s well-being, both emotional and sexual, which are reciprocally dependent. The findings should increase awareness among health personnel of factors other than present sexual function for understanding sexual well-being in older adults.

Keywords:

• Sexual health
• sexual well-being
• older adults
• constructing meaning
• attachment
• early experiences
• sexual learning
• Norway