No abstract

Introduction Prior research has focused intensively on understanding why some older adults are sexually active and others are not. However, very few studies have examined changes in the sexual frequency and the related predictors. Methods This study analyzed longitudinal data from the Survey of Health, Aging and Retirement in Europe (2017–2020), specifically data from 978 Czechs (meanage = 69.7; SDage = 7.8; 60% women). Logistic and ordinal regression models were constructed to identify older people who were likely to maintain their sexual frequency; cease their sexual activity; and experience a change (i.e., increase or decrease) in the frequency of their sexual activity. Results Partnership status discriminated sexually active people from entirely sexually inactive people at both time points. Sexual cessation was connected to an increased number of chronic illnesses and poorer socioeconomic status. However, the target variables were ineffective in predicting the changes in sexual frequency among sexually active people in a heterosexual relationship. Conclusions This suggests that a more complex set of factors should be taken into consideration in future research. Policy Implications Recommendations related to good health and relationship stability may make later-life sexual activity more normative compared to previous older generations and linking sexual activity to successful ageing still needs to be critically reviewed.

Objectives Existing data show that older adults rarely seek medical or psychological help for their sexual problems. The current study explores the barriers in help-seeking faced by older adults from a conservative Central European country. Methods Thirty semi-structured interviews were conducted among Polish residents (16 women, 14 men) aged 65–82. The data were analysed thematically, with coding validity and analytical rigour ensured throughout the process. Results Three main barriers in seeking help were identified: not recognising sexual problems; fear for the doctors’ disapproval; lack of knowledge how to access appropriate services. The data reveal that the participants’ main concern is that health providers would dismiss their problems as trivial. Older adults from Poland suffer from the lack of fundamental knowledge about their sexual functioning. Conclusions Employing qualitative methodology to understand why older adults from conservative cultures do not seek help for their sexual problems might contribute to existing literature by providing evidence from different cultural settings, and help to develop and implement appropriate interventions. Implications related to health providers’ attitude towards older patients’ concerns are further discussed.