Older widows' perspectives on sexuality: A life course perspective

•Sexual self perception among older widows, relates to social-historical context, period effects, linked lives, transitions along the life-course and human agency.•The transition to widowhood becomes a crucial turning point, in the context of sexuality, as it is rooted in social constraints, on one hand and, on the other, to new opportunities for self-fulfillment.•Life review, in the context of sexuality, old age and widowhood life review reveals a self-discourse focused on acceptance versus a lack of self-autonomy and control over one's life.

BackgroundSexuality is a significant component in human experience and has an important impact on the individual's general well-being. Life course events and the social construction of sexuality lead older widows to reflect upon their sexuality.PurposeTo explore and describe the ways in which older widows construct and perceive their sexuality along the life course.MethodA phenomenological-qualitative approach was conducted. Data collection was performed through in-depth, semi-structured interviews with 17 widows, between the ages of 62-91, followed by content analysis.ResultsThree major themes emerged: (a) Approaching sexuality: Conservative vs. progressive attitudes; (b) Multiple ways of perceiving sexuality: Constructing a sexual identity along the life course; and (c) Sexual self-perception: Integrating late life and widowhood.ConclusionSexuality among widows in later life includes continuity and change processes. In the context of social construction, sexuality is a subject that should be examined in greater depth.