Positive body perception and its link to sexual satisfaction in aging women - findings from the Women 40+ Healthy Aging Study

Laura Mernonea Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Institute of Psychology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland;b University Research Priority Program Dynamics of Healthy Aging, University of Zurich, Zurich, SwitzerlandView further author information

Serena Fiaccoa Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Institute of Psychology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland;b University Research Priority Program Dynamics of Healthy Aging, University of Zurich, Zurich, SwitzerlandView further author information

Ulrike Ehlerta Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Institute of Psychology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland;b University Research Priority Program Dynamics of Healthy Aging, University of Zurich, Zurich, SwitzerlandCorrespondence[email protected]
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ABSTRACT

Research on the relation between physical appearance and sexual satisfaction in aging women is scarce. This study uniquely links attractiveness, body perception, and sexual satisfaction in 124 healthy aging women. Two-thirds reported being highly sexually satisfied. BMI and fat mass correlated significantly with sexual satisfaction. Weight and shape concerns moderated this relationship, affecting sexual satisfaction beyond the effect of body size and composition. Given the “unattractive stereotype” of older women related to the enduring social beauty ideal of a youthful and thin body, positive body perceptions in light of age-associated bodily changes should be promoted.

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Funding

This work was funded by the University Research Priority Program (URPP) Dynamics of Healthy Aging of the University of Zurich.

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Positive body perception and its link to sexual satisfaction in aging women - findings from the Women 40+ Healthy Aging Study

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Positive body perception and its link to sexual satisfaction in aging women - findings from the Women 40+ Healthy Aging Study

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