Introduction:

Although worldwide has been demonstrated that the older adult population maintains an active sexual life, this is limited by stereotypes, physiological changes resulting from the aging process and the absence of comprehensive health strategies for sexuality.

Objective:

To document the sexual experience of older adults in the country and to understand the reasons that promote or limit the search for sexual healthcare.

Methodology:

Qualitative study. Thirty-nine interviews and four virtual workshops were conducted with men and women 50 years of age and older in Barranquilla, Bogotá, Cali, and Medellín, although people from other cities were not excluded.

Results:

Among the main findings, it is evident that this population has positive evaluations of sexuality and sex, but its development is limited, especially for women, by gender roles. Sexuality in the elderly is formed by their initial education, the transformation of ideas about sexuality throughout their life trajectories, the transformations of their bodies, their state of health, recent sexual practices and experiences, and the way in which they approach this topic with health professionals.

Conclusions:

The heterogeneity of experiences, practices and values given to sexuality and sex in old age require policies and programs based on empirical research that overcome the ageist conception of sexuality. This study is a contribution to the national literature on sexuality and aging, and to the design of health care and well-being services according to the specific needs, identities and circumstances of the older adult population in terms of sexuality.