[Sexual disorders in the aging male]

[Male sexuality in the elderly]

Male sexuality in the elderly is an important issue with a growing relevance. In contrast to the assumption of an asexual state when becoming older, recent representative surveys show that the majority of men maintain sexual desires and fantasies into old age. Sexual activity primarily depends on the availability of a partner and on maintaining intimacy and sexuality in the face of changes in the sexual response cycle and increasing comorbidity. This review aims to clarify the normal aging process, the sexual behavior of aging males and the prevalence of sexual dysfunction.

[Sexuality in the aged]

The demographic development in the western industrial societies makes the quality of life of older people a very important issue. Leading a satisfying sexual life is part of this. The picture of older people as asexual humans can no longer be maintained. Recent studies show that the fundamental psychosociological need for acceptance, tenderness, warmness and security does not disappear with age. Sexual activity in the age primarily depends on the existence of a partnership. Sexual dysfunctions in aging result from physical, psychological, and partner-related changes, as well as lifestyles. This has to be considered in diagnosis and treatment. Principally, there is no difference between the treatment of older and younger sexual partners