Why older people engage in sexual activity with young people: exploring the attitudes and perceptions of older men and women on intergenerational relationships using qualitative methods

Makandwe Nyirenda, South African Medical Research Council, Burden Of Disease Unit
Sizakele Sukazi, South African Medical Research Council
Cebo Buthelezi, South African Medical Research Council
Jill Hanass-Hancock, Gender and Health Research Unit, SAMRC

The neglect of older people’s sexual health needs has contributed to older adults engaging in risky sexual behaviour practices such as intergenerational sexual relationships that increase their vulnerability to acquiring and spreading STIs including HIV. Using qualitative methods from a study among older people aged 50 years and older, this study explores the attitudes and norms of older persons regarding engaging in sexual activities with young girls. Three major themes emerged from the analysis: 1) the importance of sexual activity among older persons; 2) motives for engaging in sexual relations with young girls; 3) barriers to sexual relations with young girls. Study highlights the significant desire and acceptance of sexual relations between older and younger people. Some facilitators of intergenerational relationships were perceived premature ageing, particularly among women; desire to feel young again; neglect or mistreatment from peers; the influence of religion; and financial ability to support a younger partner. This study highlights the urgent need for programme to ensure older persons protect themselves and their partners from risky sexual behaviour, and for the sexual health needs of older people to be recognized in general health care delivery systems.

Keywords: Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights, Older Adults and Intergenerational Relations, Qualitative data/methods/approaches, Population Ageing

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