INTRODUCTION: Ageing has brought many modifications into the life of elderly people revealing the necessity of a close assistance to their needs and among them there is the very special one focusing their sexual activity. Sexual aspects about brasilian elderly are still little known, involving myths and prejudice to be overcome. OBJECTIVE: verify the degree of importance given to sex by the elderly in Porto Alegre city, RS, Brazil and analyze the association between self-health perception and the feeling of happiness. METHODS: Research was done through the analysis of the Multidimensional Study of the Elderly Database of Porto Alegre (EMIPOA) involving 1,078 individuals aged 60 and over. RESULTS: Study conducted with 938 elderly people aged 60-95 years; 542 (57,8%) considered sex very important and important. There was a significant difference (p<0,001) in the importance given to sex by men and women and no significant association between the importance given to sex and the feeling of happiness (p=0,299) was observed. CONCLUSION: Sex is considered important by a great number of old people that is open to a more profound study for sure.
Sexuality; Sex; Elderly; Health; Happiness
