Individual and relational contributors to optimal sexual experiences in older men and women

Ménard, A. Dana; Kleinplatz, Peggy J.; Rosen, Lianne; Lawless, Shannon; Paradis, Nicholas; Campbell, Meghan; Huber, Jonathan D.

doi:10.1080/14681994.2014.931689

Cited by 37 publications

(39 citation statements)

References 34 publications

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“…Among the older participants, there seemed to be a symmetrical relationship between their life course position, dementia diagnosis, their ageing embodiment and their changing intimate sexual relationship. The older participants' narratives in this study also echo findings from previous research that demonstrates that having a positive, happy, intimate relationship in the past may offer a way of negotiating intimate sexual changes experienced in the present (Baikie, 2002;M enard et al, 2015M enard et al, , Sandberg, 2016.…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 82%

“…In line with existing qualitative research on later-life sexuality in general, the older couples underscored how other intimate sexual practices were more important (M enard et al, 2015;Potts et al, 2006;Sandberg, 2015). This, for example, was expressed by the couple Frida and Folke, for whom lying together caressing each other was just as enjoyable as penile-vaginal intercourse.…”

Section: Same Persons Comforting Intimaciessupporting

confidence: 58%

“…However, ageist sexual scripts are also increasingly challenged by the "sexy oldie" who continues to be sexually active as part of successful ageing and emerges as a new available sexual script for older people (Gott, 2005;Sandberg, 2015;Stulhofer et al, 2018). Further, on an interpersonal level, people may negotiate sexual scripts in later life away from penetrative intercourse towards non-genital sexual practices and intimacy such as cuddling, as has been seen in several qualitative studies on sexuality among older couples (Sandberg, 2015;M enard et al, 2015;Potts et al, 2006).…”

Section: Sexual Scripts and The Life Course: Theoretical Perspectivesmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Too late for love? Sexuality and intimacy in heterosexual couples living with an Alzheimer’s disease diagnosis

Sandberg

2020

Sexual and Relationship Therapy

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New sexual scripts on later life are emerging, discourses on "sexy oldies" challenge pervasive discourses on asexual old age. Still, sexuality among people with dementia, who are generally older, is rarely affirmed. Research on sexuality and dementia is, moreover, dominated by biomedical accounts that regard sexual and intimate behaviours as expressions of pathology. However, sexuality and intimacy could be significant aspects of later life, also when living with dementia. This qualitative study explores experiences of sexuality and intimacy among heterosexual couples where one partner was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. Interviews were conducted with seven couples, aged 55-87, and both the person with the dementia diagnosis and their partner participated. The findings point to a diversity of experiences, with differences between the older and younger couples. The older couples experienced changes more as a result of embodied ageing, and sexuality and intimacy were experienced as sources of pleasure, comfort and recognition. The younger couples understood changes more as caused by Alzheimer's disease and experienced a greater loss of intimacy and desire. The study shows how experiences of sexuality and intimacy when living with dementia are shaped by varying sexual scripts and expectations of health in different parts of the life course. ARTICLE HISTORY

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 82%

Section: Same Persons Comforting Intimaciessupporting

confidence: 58%

Section: Sexual Scripts and The Life Course: Theoretical Perspectivesmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Too late for love? Sexuality and intimacy in heterosexual couples living with an Alzheimer’s disease diagnosis

Sandberg

2020

Sexual and Relationship Therapy

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“…Optimal sexual experience was described by the participants as consisting of authenticity, intense emotional connection, being present, deep sexual and erotic intimacy, extraordinary communication, vulnerability, interpersonal risk-taking and exploration, and transcendence (Kleinplatz, M enard, Paquet, et al, 2009). Kleinplatz, M enard, Paquet, et al's (2009) M enard et al, 2014) optimal sexual experience is very similar to what Schnarch (1991Schnarch ( , 1997 has termed "wall-socket sex," a phenomenon experienced by couples during profoundly intense, fully-present, differentiation-enabled intimacy and erotic interaction that taps into a never-before-experienced erotic energy (pp. 462À466).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 74%

The association of an open relationship orientation with health and happiness in a sample of older US adults

Fleckenstein

Cox

2014

Sexual and Relationship Therapy

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Sexual activity over the life course is strongly associated with better health and greater personal happiness, yet the sexuality of aging adults has been a neglected topic. There is a lack of research on those with a consensually non-exclusive sexual relationship style regardless of age. This research examines whether such an orientation has positive effects on sexual frequency, health and personal happiness, and how this might inform counselors and therapists providing services to older adults. The authors collected 502 responses via an online survey from individuals aged 55 and older residing in the United States who engage in consensually non-exclusive sexual relationships. Self-reported health and happiness, number of sexual partners, and sexual frequency were compared with 723 similar respondents from the nationallyrepresentative 2012 United States (US) General Social Survey. Key findings were: irrespective of formal relationship status, the non-exclusive sample reported significantly more sexual partners, more sexual frequency, better health, and were much more likely to have had an HIV test than the general US population; the nonexclusive sample also reported being significantly happier than the general population, with the exception of married men, who reported being as happy as the general population sample; and regression analyses suggest that the factors which predict better health and happiness differ between the general population and those who participate in consensually non-exclusive sexual relationships. In summary, this study examines sexuality among the healthy aging population. Participation (or interest in participation), in consensual non-exclusive sexual relationship styles can be rewarding and contribute to personal health and happiness, as much as or more than monogamous marriages.

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“…Despite these constraining messages, some did not view age as a factor that prevented them from enjoying satisfying sexual experiences (de Oliveira Silva et al 2015). Older people noted that social norms inhibit younger adults' sexual expression as well, as they are socialised to meet expectations that are sometimes very difficult (Menard et al 2015). In a way, freedom from these expectations in later life allowed some older people to re-evaluate their understanding of sex and sexuality, to attempt new sexual techniques and to enjoy a better sex life than was experienced when they were younger (Menard et al 2015).…”

Section: Published Online First Health and Sexualitymentioning

confidence: 99%

How do older people discuss their own sexuality? A systematic review of qualitative research studies

Gewirtz‐Meydan

Hafford‐Letchfield

Ayalon

et al. 2018

Culture, Health & Sexuality

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This study captured older people's attitudes and concerns about sex and sexuality in later life by synthesising qualitative research published on this issue. The systematic review was conducted between November 2015 and June 2016 based on a pre-determined protocol. Key words were used to ensure a precise search strategy. Empirically based, qualitative literature from 18 databases was found. Twenty studies met the inclusion criteria. Thomas and Harden's thematic synthesis was used to generate 'analytical themes' which summarise this body of literature. Three main themes were identified: (a) social legitimacy for sexuality in later life; (b) health, not age, is what truly impacts sexuality, and (c) the hegemony of penetrative sex. The themes illustrate the complex and delicate relation between ageing and sexuality. Older adults facing health issues that affect sexual function adopt broader definitions of sexuality and sexual activity.

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Individual and relational contributors to optimal sexual experiences in older men and women

Abstract: 2015) Individual and relational contributors to optimal sexual experiences in older men and women, Sexual and Relationship Therapy, 30:1, 78-93,

Cited by 37 publications

References 34 publications

Too late for love? Sexuality and intimacy in heterosexual couples living with an Alzheimer’s disease diagnosis

Too late for love? Sexuality and intimacy in heterosexual couples living with an Alzheimer’s disease diagnosis

The association of an open relationship orientation with health and happiness in a sample of older US adults

How do older people discuss their own sexuality? A systematic review of qualitative research studies

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