Determinants of Sexuality in 70-Year-Olds.

Determinants of Sexuality in 70-Year-Olds, Nils M. Beckman, Margda Waern, and Ingmar Skoog, The Sahlgrenska Academy at Goteborg University, Sweden

This study examined determinants of sexuality in 70-year old non-demented men and women. Representative samples of 70-year-olds were examined in 2000 and 2001 (N = 563). The questions on sexual behavior were included as part of an extensive semi-structured neuropsychiatry examination. Almost all (95%) of 70-year-olds had natural sexual interests and needs in old age. The prevalence of sexual activity among married men was 69%, and among married women, 57%. Most significant determinants were seen in gender, marital status, sexual dysfunction among men, relation to partner, enjoyment of sex in younger years, and frequency of other physical contact. There was a positive attitude toward sexuality in both sexes, but men were more sexually active than women. Having a partner was more important for women, and a healthy relationship was important for keeping up sexual activity.