Academicians' Metaphorical Perceptions of Older Adult Sexuality: An Example of Metaphor Analysis

Sexuality is one of the most natural aspects of life that continues throughout life and is within the scope of basic human needs. Sexual life can be affected by many factors such as individual characteristics, diseases, society's values, attitudes, and cultural and religious characteristics. The objective of this research is to identify the metaphorical perceptions of older adults' sexuality held by academics, employing a phenomenological methodology. This study was conducted with the participation of 164 academicians. The research data were collected between March-April 2022. The evaluation of the metaphors created about the concept of older adults' sexuality employed content analysis techniques. The metaphors pertaining to the perceptions of academics regarding the sexuality of older adults were classified into four categories and 11 sub-themes: "Perceptions that sexuality as natural," "Diminishing sexuality," "Sexuality as love, affection and friendship," and "Sexuality as hidden and stigmatized." The majority of the metaphors created by the academic researchers were found to contain negative themes related to the sexuality of older adults. It can be suggested to organize seminars to increase the awareness of academicians on sexuality, older adults' sexuality, and sexual health.