Are Older Adults Well Sexually? Sexual Well-Being among a Cross-National Sample of Older Adults

Abstract

Objectives: To analyze sexual well-being (SWB) in older adults' perspective, to investigate the latent constructs that can work as major determinants in SWB and to examine the potential explanatory mechanisms of a SWB overall model, in an older cross-national sample. Method: Measures were completed, using a variety of appropriate methods, including demographics and interviews. Complete data were available for 163 older adults aged between 65-97 years (M=74.2; SD = 4.743). Data were subjected to content analysis. Representation of the associations and latent constructs were analyzed by a Multiple Correspondence Analysis (MCA). Results: The most prevalent response of the interviewed participants for SWB was "affection and care" (11.0%). A three-dimension model formed by "intimacy and well-being", "care, eroticism and desire", and "sexual activity and health" was presented as a best-fit solution for German older adults. SWB for Portuguese older adults were explained by a three-factor model: "intimacy, health and desire", "affection and well-being" and "sexual activity". Conclusions: The outcomes presented in this paper emphasized the need to explore the indicators of SWB among older adults and the under-developed potential of a SWB overall model for the older population.

Exploring the association between sexual motivation and quality of life in China and the United Kingdom

“…A possible explanation may be that individuals who value physical pleasure, and are therefore more likely to pursue sex for pleasure reasons, may also place more value on their physical health and body image. Additionally, past research also suggests associations between increased sexual pleasure, physical health, and body image [ 43 – 45 ]. Further, evidence suggests that physical activity and exercise may improve erectile function [ 46 ] which could also lead to improved sexual pleasure and satisfaction and sexual intercourse itself may be considered as good exercise [ 47 ].…”

A Study on Sexual Unwellness in Old Age: Assessing a Cross-National Sample of Older Adults

“…Existing research pointed out that emotional factors, chronic health problems, menopause, low libido, problems of erectile functioning, and overall sexual dysfunctions contribute to SU (Syme et al, 2015). Conversely, in another cross-national study with older adults, affection and care, sexual and physical health were the most prevalent indicators of SWB (von Humboldt et al, 2016).…”

“…Additionally physical and emotional satisfaction showed the highest contribution to SWB, in comparison to the remaining factors (Laumman et al, 2006). In another cross-national study with older adults, affection and care, and sexual and physical health were the most prevalent indicators of SWB, while sexual touching, sexual intercourse ad sexual desire for others were least important for their SWB (von Humboldt, Leal, & Monteiro, 2016). Despite the growing interest in SWB, most of the research has focused on the sexual function and sexual satisfaction, and less on the emotional and relational variables associated with SWB (Laumann et al, 2006).…”

“…The scarcity of studies on this subject, together with rapid aging of the population put forward the need for more data describing the relation between SU and overall well-being of old people (Lee, Nazroo, O'Connor, Blake, & Pendleton, 2014). Criticisms of the existing literature on older adults' sexuality include lack of a comparison group, cross-sectional nature of the studies, limited definitions of SWB and unwellness results, and lack of consideration of a more wide-ranging set of biopsychosocial risk factors (von Humboldt et al, 2016).…”

“…Considering that SU in old age is self-perceived and that different meanings for their experiences are indicated in different cultures, qualitative research allows access to these perspectives of older adults (von Humboldt et al, 2016). However, there is still need for deepening the older adults' perceptions of SU as these may become relevant for health care and community interventions (von Humboldt et al, 2016).…”