Sex and Relationships in Later Life: Older Adults’ Experiences and Perceptions of Sexual Changes

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.

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank all members of the Healthy Sexual Aging team for their support, feedback and inspiration throughout the project.

Disclosure Statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Supplementary Material

Supplemental data for this article can be accessed online at https://doi.org/10.1080/00224499.2022.2093322

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by Norges Forskningsråd under grant [250637].