Sex for the mature adult: Health, self-esteem and countering ageist stereotypes

Weeks, David J.

doi:10.1080/14681990220149031

Cited by 71 publications

(46 citation statements)

References 32 publications

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“…Additionally, sexual frequency is correlated with personal happiness and health. Our findings are consistent with earlier research into these connections (Deacon, Minichiello, and Plummer, 1995;McNulty & Fisher, 2008;Smith et al, 2011;Weeks, 2002;Yeh et al, 2006;Yucel & Gassanov, 2010).…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 94%

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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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 94%

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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“…Moreover, although physical health appears related to participation in sexual intercourse they do not automatically preclude older adults from engaging in other sexual behaviors and expressions such as hugging, kissing, fondling, and masturbation. The extent and degree of suffering from age-related sexual problems is often overestimated by young adults (Allen, Petro, & Phillips, 2009;Weeks, 2002). Misperceptions that older adults do not have the physical capacity to engage in sexual activity may fuel negative attitudes and societal perceptions of older adults as nonsexual.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 95%

Sexuality in Later Life: Examining Beliefs and Perceptions of Undergraduate Students

Freeman

Sousa

Neufeld

2013

Gerontology & Geriatrics Education

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Understanding students' beliefs and perceptions of sex/sexuality in later life can reduce and prevent ageist myths and stereotypes. The objective of this study was to gauge undergraduate students' knowledge of several myths, stereotypes, and facts regarding sex/sexuality in later life, including lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered (LGBT) older adults. More than 85% of students held a positive view of sex/sexuality in later life with 65% believing that they would engage in sexual activity past age 80 (N=125). Correct responses to true/false questions were higher for those with a positive perspective on aging, and recognizing that sexual behavior does not cease to be important with aging was the strongest predictor of holding a positive view on sexuality in later life. No significant differences were observed from responses regarding LGBT older adults or constraints to sexuality in long term care facilities. The positive perceptions among students in the current study suggest an increased acceptance of sexuality and diversity that should be maintained in university curricula.

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“…It is important to note that other studies have demonstrated that sexual interest, including desire and the capacity for sexual activity, however, remained until late adult life even though sexual activity had declined in older age (Bretschneider & McCoy, 1988;Jagus & Benbow, 2002;Lindau, Leitsch, Lundberg, & Jerome, 2006;Marsiglio & Donnelly, 1991). The level of sexual activity of older adults was directly correlated to level of sexual activity and enjoyment during young and middle adulthood (Weeks, 2002). Healthy sex life, high levels of sexual satisfaction, and higher degree of life enjoyment were more likely experienced by older adults who were physically and cognitively healthy (Bretschneider & McCoy, 1988;Johnson, 1996;Weeks, 2002).…”

mentioning

confidence: 91%

“…The level of sexual activity of older adults was directly correlated to level of sexual activity and enjoyment during young and middle adulthood (Weeks, 2002). Healthy sex life, high levels of sexual satisfaction, and higher degree of life enjoyment were more likely experienced by older adults who were physically and cognitively healthy (Bretschneider & McCoy, 1988;Johnson, 1996;Weeks, 2002).…”

mentioning

confidence: 97%

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Improvement of Older Women's Sexuality Through Emancipatory Education

Baldissera

Bueno

Hoga

2012

Health Care for Women International

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The purpose of this action research (AR) was to explore the ways in which sexuality is experienced daily and to improve the expression of older women's sexuality. The pedagogy of autonomy as proposed by the Brazilian educator Paulo Freire theoretically supported this AR, with the participation of six older adult women living in a rural setting in southwest Brazil. The older women's experiences regarding sexuality, their concerns, and their educational demands could be summarized through five phrases: the improvement of self-esteem as a way to promote sexuality; sexuality impaired by loneliness and lack of affection; men's sexual satisfaction seen as a woman's obligation; women's sexuality controlled by the society; and relinquishment of the companion to attend to the expectations of family members. Dialogical and participative educational approaches and continuous observation-participation strategies were performed to support the women's care and educational requirements.

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Sex for the mature adult: Health, self-esteem and countering ageist stereotypes

Cited by 71 publications

References 32 publications

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

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

Sexuality in Later Life: Examining Beliefs and Perceptions of Undergraduate Students

Improvement of Older Women's Sexuality Through Emancipatory Education

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