In contemporary society, alongside the sexual liberalization, significant changes are occurring in South Korea's traditional perceptions of sexuality. The sexuality of the elderly is also playing a crucial role in terms of health and quality of life. ...
In contemporary society, alongside the sexual liberalization, significant changes are occurring in South Korea's traditional perceptions of sexuality. The sexuality of the elderly is also playing a crucial role in terms of health and quality of life. As South Korea enters the era of superaging, various social issues concerning the elderly are being faced, and one of them is the issue of elderly sexuality. Positively transforming the matter of elderly sexuality becomes a vital factor in enhancing the satisfaction of their lives. Therefore, there is a practical need for a sex education program aimed at raising awareness of sexuality in old age and promoting a healthy sex life. The elderly sex education program should be developed based on the changing societal environment, reflecting the sex education needs of the elderly and providing a practical educational program in which elderly learners can participate. Accordingly, this study aims to investigate and analyze the sex education needs of the elderly and develop a sex education program that the elderly can perceive positively and embrace actively.
To develop the elderly sex education program, a literature review was conducted to collect foundational data related to lifelong education for the elderly, elderly sexuality, and programs for elderly sex education. Based on the collected data, a survey on the sex education needs of the elderly and focus group interviews were conducted to analyze their sex education needs. Using the survey results, a concrete program was formulated, and expert opinions were considered to modify and enhance the program, resulting in the final development of an elderly sex education program.
The survey results regarding the sex education needs of the elderly revealed significant differences based on gender, age, marital status, education level, health status, and economic status. It was observed that female elderly individuals expressed a higher need for sex education, and the need increased for those without spouses, those perceiving good health, and those with better economic conditions. Additionally, satisfaction with sexual life showed significant differences based on gender, marital status, economic status, and frequency of sexual activity. Male elderly individuals reported lower satisfaction with their sexual lives compared to females, and those without a spouse due to separation or death were dissatisfied with their sexual lives. Regarding the content of sex education, the highest demand was for education on 'methods for a happy and healthy sexual life.' In terms of sex education methods, the elderly preferred education that involved their direct participation and experience, with the majority expressing a desire for free education.
Through focus group interviews, specific demands regarding the content and method of sex education were identified. Adult learners expressed a desire for sex education that allows their direct participation and emphasized that education on methods for a happy and healthy sexual life should be structured to enable learners to explore on their own. The results from the focus group interviews aligned with the findings from the survey.
Based on these survey results, the program was designed and structured, and with the incorporation of expert opinions, the program underwent modifications and improvements.
The developed elderly sex education program consists of three main areas: 'Happy sexuality,' 'Healthy sexuality,' and 'Safe sexuality,' each further divided into seven subtopics. The final program is structured over seven sessions, and instructional guides for each session were developed for practical use in educational settings.
Despite the emphasized need for elderly sex education, the development of programs that reflect the characteristics and demands of elderly learners from a lifelong education perspective has been rare. The significance of this program lies in its reflection of the characteristics of elderly learners, acknowledgment of the demands of the elderly, and the creation of an elderly sex education program from a perspective that enables direct participation of the elderly in lifelong education.
This developed program can be utilized in elderly welfare institutions, cultural centers, and other lifelong education institutions, contributing to the happiness and healthy sexual lives of the elderly. It is expected that through such programs, the elderly can maintain a positive sexual perception and attitude, ultimately enhancing their overall life satisfaction.
Keywords: Elderly, Sex Education, Program Development, Needs Assessment