Love, Sexual Attitudes and the Risk Index for Sex in the Elderly

The problem of ageing is an area of research of singular interest today, not only because of its importance, but also because of what still needs to be known and understood about the process. Regardless of the 'preconceptions' about the elderly and the ageing process, the experience and expression of sexuality for this age group is often put on the back burner, perhaps because many consider that at this stage of the life cycle the individual has already reduced their sexual interest. In addition to this, recent studies show that the elderly are the biggest risk group for AIDS - Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome. Studies on this subject are still rare, especially those relating sexuality and trust between older people and prevention of sexually transmitted diseases. We will be using Stenberg's Triangular Theory of Love, since it can validate the impact of love on the affective-sexual relationship of the elderly more truthfully. Thus, the aim of this study will be to investigate the reasons why older people do not protect themselves sexually.