Sexuality and Aging – A Research Collaboration between the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil) and the School of Health, Care, and Social Welfare, Mälardalen University

Sexuality and aging involve a complex interplay between physical health, psychological well-being, and social attitudes.

Beyond medical interventions, such as hormone therapy and erectile dysfunction treatment, psychological factors—including self-esteem and body image—play a crucial role in influencing sexual desire and satisfaction. However, societal stereotypes often undermine the sexual confidence and well-being of older adults.

Social attitudes frequently disregard the sexual needs of older adults, creating stigma that hinders open discussions and limits access to resources.Addressing sexual health in ageing populations is crucial for promoting healthy ageing and improving quality of life.

Public Promoting sexual health in later life supports broader goals like reducing healthcare costs by preventing chronic diseases through stress reduction and mental health improvements.

Tackling sexual health inequities among women and men, LGBTQ+ seniors, and marginalised communities is vital for inclusive strategies.Rosane Griep, a senior researcher at the Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, has extensive experience in studies related to gender, chronic non-communicable diseases, and aging.

She is currently a visiting professor at the Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences, University of Porto, Portugal, where she focuses on aging and sexuality.The purpose of the research visit to the School of Health, Care, and Social Welfare at Mälardalen University includes reviewing and summarizing Swedish studies on aging and sexuality, discussing and developing new research collaborations, and establishing formal partnerships in this research area.

In addition to promoting intercultural exchange in research, this application seeks to support internationalization in science by applying for a visiting research grant to fund a one-month research stay at Mälardalen University, a leading Swedish institution.