Miejsce gerontoseksuologii w badaniach gerontologicznych

Abstract

Both results of observations and empirical studies have shown that an active life is the most appropriate way of preserving physical fitness in the old age. One of the forms of man's activity is sexual life. The latest medical, psychological and sociological studies indicate that sexual activity is an individual thing and that sexual needs may be felt and satisfied till old-old age. Ivor Feistein, a physician, in his book entitled "Sex and the longer life" quotes many examples of sexual interests of older people, and similarly to M.A.P. Sviland, a psychologist, he draws attention to social and psychological determinants of difficulties in satisfying sexual needs by elderly people. Undoubtedly, the biggest disaster of the old age is loneliness, and realization that a man is no longer needed. And that is why the problems of sex, having one's partner are of tremendous importance. The modern society, while removing elderly people, often quite automatically, from so many spheres of life and glorifying persistently the not always justified cult of youth, could display a little more tolerance, at least in such an intimate sphere of life as sexual life.