[Sexuality of the male in advanced age]

The degree of decrease in sexual activity of the elderly male is, among other things, due to health, age of partner, particularly family status and frequency of sexual activity when he was younger. Affection and contentment become crucial dimensions in experiencing sexuality. Psychophysiological reactions (erection, ejaculation) are protracted and less impetuous. Sexual disorders of elderly people can also be of psychogenic origin. Causative factors are conflicts, loss of interest in the partner, misinterpretation of physiological changes due to age, fears of physical illness through sexual activity, fear of failure towards younger more active female-partners and the like. Skilled psychological guidance is often the essential part of therapy.