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Published on: May 31, 2021
[Physical and intimate sexual activity in older adults: Sociodemographic, relational, and attitudinal predictors in a
Jesús González-Moreno1, Lucia Valverde Garcia-Otermin1, Isabel Martí-Hoyos1
1Departamento Psicología Evolutiva y de la Educación, Facultad de Psicología y Logopedia, Universidad de Valencia, Valencia, España.
Introduction:
Sexuality in later adulthood contributes to overall well-being, yet many studies do not differentiate between physical and intimate sexual activity, nor do they jointly consider sociodemographic, relational, and attitudinal factors. This study aimed to examine which factors are associated with the frequency of both types of sexual activity among Spanish adults over the age of 60.
Materials And Methods:
A cross-sectional study was conducted with 133 participants. Data were collected on age, gender, marital status, educational level, sexual activity, sexual satisfaction with one's partner, the importance attributed to sex, and attitudes toward sexuality. Two multiple linear regressions were estimated to analyze the factors associated with physical sexual activity and intimate sexual activity.
Results:
Physical sexual activity was associated with younger age, higher partner-related sexual satisfaction, and greater importance attributed to sex. Intimate sexual activity was mainly related to sexual satisfaction with one's partner and the importance of sex, with no significant effect of age or attitudes toward sexuality.
Conclusions:
The findings indicate that the frequency of physical sexual activity is linked to both age and relational factors, whereas intimate sexual activity depends primarily on relationship quality and the value placed on sexuality. Beyond chronological age, relational factors should occupy a central role in the assessment and promotion of sexual health within healthcare and psychosocial services for older adults.
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