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The Article in Brief
Correlates of Sexual Activity and Satisfaction in Midlife and Older Women
Holly N. Thomas , and colleagues
Background There is a strong link between a healthy sex life and higher quality of life as individuals age. This study of midlife development in women aged 28 to 84 years estimates sexual activity and identifies factors associated with sexual activity and sexual satisfaction.
What This Study Found A considerable proportion of midlife and older women remain sexually active if they have a partner available. Among older women who are sexually active, sexual satisfaction is related not to age or menopausal status, but to higher relationship satisfaction, better communication and higher importance placed on sex. Among women aged 60 and older who are married and cohabitating, 59 percent are sexually active. Overall, 62 percent of respondents report being sexually active in the previous six months, however, the proportion decreases with advancing age. Women who are cohabitating have approximately eight times higher odds of being sexually active; about 13 percent of sexually active women surveyed are not married or cohabitating.
Implications
- Many women maintain or want to maintain a satisfying sex life into middle age and beyond. The authors advise clinicians to ask women about sexual activity and sexual satisfaction and help them to maintain a satisfying sex life with aging.