Sex and relationships in later life: older adults’ experiences and perceptions of sexual changes
Sex and relationships in later life: older adults’ experiences and perceptions of sexual changes
The aim of this study was to explore the sexual lives of older adults in the UK to elucidate their experiences of sexual changes and problems, and the role of intimacy and interpersonal support in coping with these changes. We conducted in-depth semi-structured interviews with 31 participants (aged 66–92, mean = 74, 16 women and 15 men), analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. Our analysis generated three themes: Sexual Changes are “Natural,” Sex is the Icing on the Cake, and Maintaining Sexual Connection and Relationship Satisfaction. The participants often rationalized and accepted sexual changes and problems as part of the natural aging process, or as a consequence of other age-related health issues. Sexual activity was seen by many as the “icing on the cake” of a satisfying romantic relationship, built on strong foundations of intimacy, connection, and companionship. Relationship satisfaction and sexual wellbeing can be maintained despite changes to sexual function by retaining a sexual connection through shared experiences, emotional closeness, and support. The findings have important implications for researchers and health providers, and suggest that adopting an “affirmative older age” perspective would be useful for not only future research but also when providing support for older adults with sexual difficulties.
Towler, Lauren B.
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Graham, Cynthia
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Bishop, Felicity
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Hinchliff, Sharron
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19 July 2022
Towler, Lauren B.
ebb4fb4e-703f-4e52-a9dc-53e72ca68e8f
Graham, Cynthia
ac400331-f231-4449-a69b-ec9a477224c8
Bishop, Felicity
1f5429c5-325f-4ac4-aae3-6ba85d079928
Hinchliff, Sharron
d9591b60-f230-4107-a60a-1a9b0ec4ef7a
Towler, Lauren B., Graham, Cynthia, Bishop, Felicity and Hinchliff, Sharron
(2022)
Sex and relationships in later life: older adults’ experiences and perceptions of sexual changes.
The Journal of Sex Research.
(doi:10.1080/00224499.2022.2093322).
Abstract
The aim of this study was to explore the sexual lives of older adults in the UK to elucidate their experiences of sexual changes and problems, and the role of intimacy and interpersonal support in coping with these changes. We conducted in-depth semi-structured interviews with 31 participants (aged 66–92, mean = 74, 16 women and 15 men), analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. Our analysis generated three themes: Sexual Changes are “Natural,” Sex is the Icing on the Cake, and Maintaining Sexual Connection and Relationship Satisfaction. The participants often rationalized and accepted sexual changes and problems as part of the natural aging process, or as a consequence of other age-related health issues. Sexual activity was seen by many as the “icing on the cake” of a satisfying romantic relationship, built on strong foundations of intimacy, connection, and companionship. Relationship satisfaction and sexual wellbeing can be maintained despite changes to sexual function by retaining a sexual connection through shared experiences, emotional closeness, and support. The findings have important implications for researchers and health providers, and suggest that adopting an “affirmative older age” perspective would be useful for not only future research but also when providing support for older adults with sexual difficulties.
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00224499.2022
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Towler et al Sex and relationships in later life_accepted
More information
Accepted/In Press date: 18 June 2022
e-pub ahead of print date: 19 July 2022
Published date: 19 July 2022
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© 2022 The Author(s). Published with license by Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.
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Local EPrints ID: 468034
URI: http://eprints.soton.ac.uk/id/eprint/468034
ISSN: 0022-4499
PURE UUID: da7685ae-dbf9-4618-a342-2f563d693c5e
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Date deposited: 28 Jul 2022 16:45
Last modified: 12 Nov 2024 05:06
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Author:
Lauren B. Towler
Author:
Sharron Hinchliff
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