Sexuality/Sexual Behavior in Later Life

Paper outline (recommended by professor)
1. Introduction
2. Introduction of paper topic as it relates to course readings, lectures, and other course materials.
• Summary of case from book as it relates to the paper topic
• Summary of research findings regarding topic as it is experienced in the everyday lives of families.
• Summary of research findings regarding topic as it relates to the U.S. (could include research of national samples, policy issues, broad social norms, etc).
• Comparison between the US and one other country regarding topic as it relates to either the everyday lives of families or national-level concerns (similar to IIc above).
• Paper summary and conclusion.
Class notes:

Stereotypes about Sexuality
• Older people:
o Do not have sexual desires
o are not able to make love, even if they wanted to
o are too fragile and might hurt themselves if they attempt to engage in sexual relations
o are physically unattractive and therefore sexually undesirable
• Notion that older people engaging in sex is shameful and perverse
o Reinforced by the belief that sex is only an act of reproduction
Male Menopause
• Less interest in sex
• Anxiety about loss of sexual potency
• Increased fantasies about having sex with new/ younger partner
• Loss of erection during sexual activity
Menopause: the end of female reproductive capacity
• Use of term “male menopause” may be caused by the social construction of aging as a medical problem
Sexuality of older women:
• Post-reproductive usefulness = being disregarded as a sexual being
• Youth remains tied to women’s sexuality, “sexiness,” social identity, and self esteem
• Woman’s body and face become material commodities to be maintained
Sexual Functioning-Males
• Decrease in testosterone
• Loss of muscle tone and skin elasticity
• Blood vessels in the penis age = penis becomes less flexible and blood circulation is reduced
• Longer arousal time
• Decline in ability to have an erection
• Age itself is not a cause of impotence
o Chronic diseases common in later life
o Drugs
o Substance abuse
o Stress/anxiety
Sexual Functioning – Females
• Less attention has been paid to female sexual dysfunction
• Longer arousal time
• Lips of vagina become less firm
• Decrease in vaginal lubrication
• Lower estrogen levels
Research on Sexual Behavior
• Little research has been conducted about sexual behavior of those over 60 years old
• Most research ignores cohort differences and experiences volunteer bias
• No true examination of racial/ethnic differences
Sexual Behavior
• Emotional/physical capabilities for sex remain intact among older women
• Increased sexual pleasure as no fear of unwanted pregnancies
• 54% of men and 51% of women over 60 years old report being sexually active
• Limited availability of partners with age
• Decreasing physical health
• Sexual behavior is positive related to marital quality among older adults