Sexuality and Affection among Elderly German Men and Women in Long-Term Relationships: Results of a Prospective Population-Based Study

Abstract

Satisfaction with sexual activity i.e. sexual satisfaction and the importance of sexuality and affection were analysed using data from the German “Interdisciplinary Longitudinal Study of Adult Development” (ILSE). At three measurement points, 1993–1995, 1997–1998, and 2004–2006 i.e. subjects' ages of 63, 67, and 74 years, participants' reports about their affection and sexual activity were collected. The sample of completed records used for this study consisted of 194 urban non-institutionalised participants, 68% male, all living with partners. Median levels of sexual satisfaction were reported, fluctuating between the measurement points of ages 63 to 74. Between baseline, first and second follow-up no differences were found in levels of sexual satisfaction, though at measurement points age 63 and 67 women were more satisfied than men. When measured at age 74, affection was given a higher priority than sexual activity. Although men and women reported similar priorities, sexual activity and affection were more important for men than for women. Satisfaction within the relationship can be predicted by the importance of affection, but not by that of sexual activity. Our results confirm the thesis of the ‘second language of sexuality’: for humans in their later years affection seems to be more important than for younger individuals.

Emotional intimacy and sexual well-being in aging European couples: a cross-cultural mediation analysis

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Prevalence and Predictors of Sexual Difficulties and Associated Distress Among Partnered, Sexually Active Older Women in Norway, Denmark, Belgium, and Portugal

“…Our findings related to emotional and sexual intimacy are consistent with a study of U.S. women aged 20-65 years, where the best predictors of sexual distress were markers of emotional well-being and emotional intimacy with the partner during sexual activity (Bancroft et al, 2003). Other studies have highlighted the central role of emotional intimacy in aging women and men (Fileborn et al, 2017;Heiman et al, 2011;Müller et al, 2014). Qualitative studies provide some insight into how emotional intimacy might be a protective factor for older women's and men's sexuality.…”

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