title: Older Women in New Romantic Relationships.
abstract: Although research has found that sexual activity declines with age, most of this literature examines people in long-term marriages. Little is known about the initiation of new sexual relationships in later life. In-depth interviews with 14 women aged 64 to 77 years were conducted to examine their personal and collective narratives regarding sexuality in later life. In contrast to common perceptions, none of the participants felt that aging had negatively impacted their own sexuality. For many, this was a time in their lives when they were experiencing renewed sexual desire and enjoyment. Even though sex might not have held the same priority as when they were younger, it held a place of importance in their romantic relationships. The discussion focuses on understanding women's sexual relationships and behaviors within the context of their cohort and lives.
authors.affiliation: 1 Department of Human Services, Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, OH, USA.
authors.forename: Wendy K
authors.initials: WK
authors.lastname: Watson
authors.affiliation: 1 Department of Human Services, Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, OH, USA.
authors.forename: Charlie
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Stelle
authors.affiliation: 2 Department of Human Development and Family Studies, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, USA.
authors.forename: Nancy
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Bell
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000375:Aging / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000523:psychology*; D012747:Sexual Partners / Q000523:psychology*
keywords: meaning of sex; new relationships; older women; sexuality; sexuality and aging