How Common Is Sexual Activity Among Older Adults?

How Common Is Sexual Activity Among Older Adults?

In a society that is largely focused on youth, there is a common misconception that older adults do not engage in sexual activity. However, growing evidence on the topic indicates that this assumption is inaccurate. As a matter of fact, many older adults continue to be sexually active throughout their lives, a situation which can contribute positively to their overall satisfaction, well-being, and quality of life.

A recent study explored sexual activity and physical tenderness in a sample of 511 Belgian citizens between the ages of 70 and 99 years using data from a previous survey on sexual violence and supplementing it with face-to-face interviews.

For this study, “sexual activity” was defined as any sexual practice including masturbation, sexual intercourse, oral sex, and anal sex. “Physical tenderness” was defined as intimate contact not involving masturbation or penetration, such as cuddling and kissing. The authors intentionally included questions about physical tenderness in their survey because sexual activity among older adults is often underestimated when its definition is limited to sexual intercourse.

In addition to the questions regarding sexual activity and physical tenderness, the participants were asked about their sociodemographic characteristics, age, subjective age (how old a person feels), number of sexual partners, sexual satisfaction, attitudes toward sex later in life, quality of life, and history of sexual victimization.

The researchers found that approximately one-third (31.3%) of the participants were sexually active in terms of the given definition at the time of the study. Of those who were not sexually active, 47.3% indicated that they had experienced a form of physical tenderness at some point during the previous 12 months. Half of the participants (50.3%) were in a relationship, and most of these individuals lived with their partner.  

Not surprisingly, sexual activity was associated with having a more permissive, open attitude about sex later in life and with having a partner. The sexually active participants were about 4 times more likely to have a partner than those who were not sexually active. Being younger and not having a disability were two other predictors of sexual activity within this population.

This study is perhaps the first to examine sexual activity and physical tenderness in adults older than 75 years in Belgium, and older than 85 years worldwide. It provides valuable information about the prevalence of sexual activity among older adults and continues to disprove the myth that people stop engaging in sexual activity as they age. Growing awareness around sexual activity in older adults can help guide future public health efforts and ensure that all sexually active populations receive the care and information they need to safely engage in sexual activity.


Resources:

Cismaru-Inescu, A., Hahaut, B., Adam, S., Nobels, A., Beaulieu, M., Vandeviver, C., Keygnaert, I., & Nisen, L. (in press). Sexual Activity and Physical Tenderness in Older Adults: Prevalence and Associated Characteristics From a Belgian Study. The Journal of Sexual Medicine. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsxm.2022.01.516

Other Popular Articles

What Is Jelqing, and Does It Actually Work?

The term “jelqing” refers to a set of penis stretching exercises that some believe can make the penis bigger. Although the practice has gained attention and popularity in blogs and internet forums in recent years, there is no scientific evidence that it is an effective way to permanently increase the size of one’s penis. In fact, in some cases, jelqing may actually cause damage to the penis, so it is a good idea to get all the facts before setting off to try it.

What Is Sensate Focus and How Does It Work?

Sensate focus is a technique used to improve intimacy and communication between partners around sex, reduce sexual performance anxiety, and shift away from ingrained, goal-oriented sexual patterns that may not be serving a couple.

What Is the Average Penis Size?

If you have ever wondered how your penis compares to others in terms of size, you are not alone. Many men are curious to know how their penises stack up compared to the average. Unfortunately, general curiosity can sometimes give way to full-on obsession and anxiety about penis size. This can be an unhealthy and often unnecessary fixation, especially because most men who think their penises are too small have perfectly normal-sized penises.

What Is Edging and Why Do People Do It?

Edging is the practice of stopping sexual stimulation before reaching orgasm to prolong a sexual experience. The term stems from the concept of approaching the metaphorical “edge” of orgasm but stopping before going over the edge.

The Sex-Positivity Movement: What it Means to Be Sex-Positive

You may have heard references to “being sex-positive” or “the sex-positivity movement” in popular culture. Various celebrities have brought attention to this movement by speaking out about their beliefs and personal experiences regarding sexuality, sexual health, body positivity, “slut-shaming,” and sexual assault.

Can Sex Reduce Menstrual Cramps?

The SMSNA periodically receives and publishes ‘guest editorials.’ The current article was submitted by Mia Barnes, a freelance writer and researcher who specializes in women's health, wellness, and healthy living. She is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Body+Mind Magazine.

Having sex while you experience menstrual cramps is healthy and can provide significant benefits. While it might not be the first activity that comes to mind when your PMS or period cramping begins, many people enjoy sex to reduce menstrual cramps, experience increased pleasure and benefit from other advantages. Learn more about having sex while menstrual cramps are happening and how it can help your body.

Find a Provider

Find a provider who specializes in sexual medicine in your area.

FIND NOW
Image