title: Sexuality and affection among elderly German men and women in long-term relationships: results of a prospective population-based study.
abstract: Satisfaction with sexual activity i.e. sexual satisfaction and the importance of sexuality and affection were analysed using data from the German "Interdisciplinary Longitudinal Study of Adult Development" (ILSE). At three measurement points, 1993-1995, 1997-1998, and 2004-2006 i.e. subjects' ages of 63, 67, and 74 years, participants' reports about their affection and sexual activity were collected. The sample of completed records used for this study consisted of 194 urban non-institutionalised participants, 68% male, all living with partners. Median levels of sexual satisfaction were reported, fluctuating between the measurement points of ages 63 to 74. Between baseline, first and second follow-up no differences were found in levels of sexual satisfaction, though at measurement points age 63 and 67 women were more satisfied than men. When measured at age 74, affection was given a higher priority than sexual activity. Although men and women reported similar priorities, sexual activity and affection were more important for men than for women. Satisfaction within the relationship can be predicted by the importance of affection, but not by that of sexual activity. Our results confirm the thesis of the 'second language of sexuality': for humans in their later years affection seems to be more important than for younger individuals.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, Medical Faculty, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany.
authors.forename: Britta
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Müller
authors.affiliation: Medical Center Rostock, Department of Cardiology and Angiology, Rostock University Hospital, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany.
authors.forename: Christoph A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Nienaber
authors.affiliation: Clinic for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Rostock University Hospital, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany.
authors.forename: Olaf
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Reis
authors.affiliation: Institute of Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, Medical Faculty, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany.
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Kropp
authors.affiliation: Queen Mary University of London, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, London, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Wolfgang
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Meyer
mesh_terms: D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D005858:Germany; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009769:Object Attachment; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000523:psychology; D012747:Sexual Partners / Q000523:psychology; D019529:Sexuality / Q000523:psychology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires