Successful aging, change in sexual interest and sexual satisfaction in couples from four European Countries

Abstract

Although the importance of sexuality and physical intimacy for well-being of older adults has been recognized, the role of sexuality in successful ageing (SA) has been largely neglected. Building on our previous work, here we further validated a 3-dimensional model of SA and examined its associations with sexual satisfaction and change in sexual interest among older heterosexual couples (aged 60-75 years). Participants were recruited in a probability-based survey, which was carried out in 2016-2017 in four European countries. Using structural equation modelling of the Actor-Partner Interdependence, we observed significant relationships between SA and sexual satisfaction for both male and female partners across countries. Among women, their retrospectively assessed change in sexual interest over the past 10 years was consistently associated with sexual satisfaction. Partner effects were gender-specific: male partners' SA was significantly related to their female partners' change in sexual interest, which in turn was linked to male partners' sexual satisfaction. The findings point to substantial ties between successful ageing and sexuality in older European couples. Taking into account the prevalent stereotypes about old age and sexuality, this study's findings can assist professionals working with ageing couples.

Perceived Importance and Enjoyment of Sexuality in Late Midlife: Cohort Differences in the Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam (LASA)

“…In a similar vein, late midlife is assumed to be the period of life of increasing risk of health problems (e.g., disease onset), and poor health has been repeatedly shown to be related to poor sexual functioning among adults aged 50 and older (Lee et al, 2016). On the other hand, sexuality remains for many adults a valuable aspect of life until old age, and a fulfilling sex life in older age is linked with indicators of successful aging (Buczak-Stec et al, 2019;Štulhofer et al, 2018). Late midlife may thus be a critical period for maintaining a (satisfying) sex life into old age.…”

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

“…Although the early literature on the successful aging model included social, mental/emotional, and physical aspects of well-being (Woloski-Wruble et al, 2010 ), researchers have recently explored the role that sexuality plays in successful aging (Štulhofer, Hinchliff, Jurin, Carvalheira, & Træen, 2019 ; Thompson et al, 2011 ). Our findings are consistent with this expanded model of successful aging and underline the close links between sexual and nonsexual aspects of older women’s lives and the importance of sexuality for general life satisfaction (Woloski-Wruble et al, 2010 ).…”

The Elephant in the Room – A Critical Interpretive Synthesis of Older Adults’ Sexuality

“…To enjoy sexual activity, one has to feel sexual desire (DeLamater & Sill, 2005), which has been defined as a motivational state or interest in sexual activity. A study realized in four European countries (Belgium, Denmark, Norway, and Portugal) explored the associations between successful aging, sexual satisfaction, and changes in sexual interest, and most participants reported lower sexual interest in the present compared to ten years ago, a finding that was more prominent in women compared to men ( Stulhofer et al, 2019).…”