SEXUALITY IN OLD AGE AND THE OCCURRENCE OF SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS: AN INTEGRATIVE LITERATURE REVIEW

Abstract

This paper aimed to bring together two very controversial topics, however, not much discussed in the same context that are sexuality and aging; content that are filled with taboos and misconceptions.  With the increase in life expectancy, evidenced by the demographic transition, the Brazilian elderly start to experience sexuality more avidly and, perhaps, with less protection. As a result, an increase in the number of people contaminated by Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) becomes evident, mainly HIV. Thus, the elderly population emerges as a public health problem, requiring, therefore, an intervention.  A bibliographic survey was carried out from the electronic databases SCIELO, MEDLINE, BVS and PUBMED, from 2007 to 2020, using the descriptors: elderly, old age, sexually transmitted diseases (STD) and life expectancy.  It was possible to observe that the main causes of Sexually Transmitted Infections among the elderly are linked to the expansion of life expectancy associated with deficits in sexual educational actions among the elderly. Given this context, it is essential to implement effective actions through public policies aimed at the health and welfare of the elderly, a fact that includes sexuality.