1. Development of Sexual Living Conditions through the Aging Process Gero 410 Jan 2011

2. Background Data The single most important determinant of sexual relations in old age is to have a regular and acceptable partner. Women over 60 are less likely than men to have such a partner and at 70 plus, less than 50% of women had a husband or regular partner. 4/5ths of Males 65-74 had a couple relationship, at 70 plus 57% of males and 41% of females were in a loving relationship At 70 + 4/5ths of males and only 1/10 of females were having intercourse once a week. ¼ of males and ½ of females had had no intercourse over the last year of the survey period.

3. Background Data Only 7% of men and 5% of women had experienced multiple partners and 50% of that number had only experienced 2 partners in a year’s period. Women in their 70’s enjoyed intercourse less, while 50% of women reported their sexual relations enjoyable and 37% of those achieved orgasm. At 60 50% of women and 15% of men reported a decrease in sexual desire. With regards to sexual function: 2/3 rd s of women and men reported no problems, whereas 1/3 rd of men and 1/5 th of women said that illness had disturbed their sexual life and that sexual activity declined with age.

4. Background Data Although sexual activity may decline there were few reports of declines in self-rated sexual attractiveness. Older men reported more liberal attitudes than women to sex without love and pornography in general At 70 2/3rds of men and ½ of women considered sex important for happiness in a relationship. Lack of desire was reported equally for males and females at 14 and 15% respectively After 40 years of a relationship, there was a decrease in sexual intercourse. Three reasons were cited: ED, lack of desire and illness

5. Background Data Illness as a factor was reported by 33% of males and 23% of females. In generally healthy couples, the figures dropped to 2 and 13% 59% of females in + 40 year old relationships reported a frequent lack of desire Critical factors to consider: In aging men-Self-esteem, good health, active and pleasant sexual history, frequent alcohol use, and a belief that sex was important in couple relationships. In aging women-a positive value towards sex in couple relationships, a satisfactory sexual life and history, a healthy partner and a positive level of sexual desire.

6. Background Data The number of 60 + in the population is estimated to grow by 50% over the next 30 years and for women 1/3 rd of their lives will be spent post-menopause. To sustain and maintain a healthy active sexual life the challenge will be to address some of the following issues- declining desire, boredom, loveless relationships, serious and persistent physical illness and disability, mental health issues, institutionalization, and choice and availability of appropriate partners.