Introduction:

The sexuality and sexual health of older people is an invisible dimension in the provision of health services. Therefore, it is important to know the perceptions and difficulties of health personnel to provide this care.

Objective:

To identify differences and similarities in the perception that health service providers in Colombia have about sexuality and sexual health in the elderly.

Methodology:

A total of 5 focus groups were held in Bogotá, Barranquilla, Cali and Medellín with the participation of 19 health professionals from an institution that provides sexual and reproductive health services.

Results:

Health professionals recognize sexuality as an important aspect in the provision of health services in the elderly, despite the current invisibility of the issue in medical care. They recognize the complexity of talking about sexuality in the doctor-patient interaction, partly due to the lack of training of health professionals, and due to the patients' own inhibitions.

Discussion:

Social and theoretical obstacles persist to address sexuality issues in consultation, as well as gender differences for the treatment of sexuality and sexual health issues.

Conclusions:

Health service providers are key to removing barriers to care, accompaniment and understanding of the sexual health and sexuality of the elderly.