title: Factors associated with sexuality in later life: An exploratory study in a group of Greek married older adults.
abstract: The present study aimed to investigate factors associated with sexual interest and behaviors in married older adults. The study recruited older adults from the Open Protection Centers for Elderly. A 30-items questionnaire addressing sexuality, emotional and physical intimacy, demographics, and background data was constructed. Dichotomous responses were used for intimacy and sexuality items. Data were analyzed using Chi-square tests, Pearson's correlation coefficient and Independent samples t-test. The sample consisted of 454 married participants (age range: 60-90, mean: 69.0+/-6.5). More than 50% reported having sexual desire and intercourse's average frequency of 4/month. Increasing age and marriage's years related significantly to decreased frequency of sexual intercourse (p<0.001). Participants married out of love reported higher frequency of intercourse p.a. compared with those in arranged marriages (p=0.031). Gender, age, income, married out of love and being still in love with the partner were all significantly associated with sexual interest and behaviors (p<0.05). This study demonstrates that older adults remain sexually active and a range of personal, socio-economic and interpersonal factors are associated with sexual interest. Therefore, sexual expression should be a well-informed individual's choice and not the result of societal myths or health professionals' misconceptions.
authors.affiliation: Center for Sexual and Reproductive Health, Aristotle University, PO Box 367, 54622 Thessaloniki, Greece.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Papaharitou
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Nakopoulou
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Kirana
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Giaglis
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Moraitou
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Hatzichristou
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006115:Greece; D006801:Humans; D007989:Libido / Q000502:physiology*; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D008393:Marriage / Q000523:psychology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D012307:Risk Factors; D019529:Sexuality / Q000502:physiology*; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires