A relação da sexualidade, felicidade e sentido da vida da pessoa idosa da Universidade da Maturidade da Universidade Federal do Tocantins na Amazonia Legal

Abstract

By associating sexuality with youth and an attractive body, society excludes the elderly, depriving them of affective and sexual experiences and, consequently, happiness. This study aims to understand the relationship between older people at the University of Maturity in Palmas-Tocantins and their sexual experiences in maturity, and the direct relationship between sexuality and well-being and life satisfaction. The specific objectives include: to identify the myths and prejudices about sexuality in contemporary society; to check whether the elderly people at the University of Maturity in Palmas are prejudiced about sexuality in maturity; to investigate the relationship that elderly people have with sexuality, quality of life and happiness; to check whether the elderly people at UMA - Palmas have an active and successful old age related to sexual experiences. This research is characterized as empirical, qualitative and descriptive, adopting a cross-sectional design, a study based on the phenomenological current, using information collected through semi-structured interviews to answer the quest: What is the representation of elderly people at the University of Maturity about sexual experiences in old age, the relationship between sexuality and well-being and satisfaction with life? The justification for this research lies in the persistence of the negative concept of old age in contemporary society, associated with incapacity, including the sexual aspect. It is believed that this research contributes to the understanding of sexuality in old age, its psychological, social and cultural aspects, and its link to well-being and life satisfaction. It is conjectured that, despite the physical, psychological and social losses, the elderly can have quality of life, emphasizing the importance of understanding their perception of sexuality and its relationship with happiness and personal satisfaction. The results indicate that sexuality plays a significant role in quality of life for the elderly at UMA, positively influencing their self- esteem, self-knowledge and emotional well-being, happiness. They also revealed that, for many, sexuality is a source of pleasure, connection and meanings that go beyond the physical aspects, encompassing intimacy, affection and companionship. They understand sexuality as a vital element of the human being that transcends sexual activity and age, recognition that sexuality goes beyond the physical act and encompasses a wide range of emotional, affective and identity experiences, and it is clear that its impact on the quality of life of older people is profound and multifaceted.