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Successful aging, change in sexual interest and sexual satisfaction in couples from four European Countries

Author

Listed:
  • Aleksandar Štulhofer

    (University of Zagreb)

  • Sharron Hinchliff

    (University of Sheffield)

  • Tanja Jurin

    (University of Zagreb)

  • Ana Carvalheira

    (ISPA-University Institute)

  • Bente Træen

    (University of Oslo)

Abstract

Although the importance of sexuality and physical intimacy for well-being of older adults has been recognized, the role of sexuality in successful aging (SA) has been largely neglected. Building on our previous work, here we further validated a three-dimensional model of SA and examined its associations with sexual satisfaction and change in sexual interest among older heterosexual couples (aged 60–75 years). Participants were recruited in a probability-based survey, which was carried out in 2016–2017 in four European countries. Using structural equation modeling of the Actor–Partner Interdependence, we observed significant relationships between SA and sexual satisfaction for both male and female partners across countries. Among women, their retrospectively assessed change in sexual interest over the past 10 years was consistently associated with sexual satisfaction. Partner effects were gender-specific: male partners’ SA was significantly related to their female partners’ change in sexual interest, which in turn was linked to male partners’ sexual satisfaction. The findings point to substantial ties between successful aging and sexuality in older European couples. Taking into account the prevalent stereotypes about old age and sexuality, this study’s findings can assist professionals working with aging couples.

Suggested Citation

  • Aleksandar Štulhofer & Sharron Hinchliff & Tanja Jurin & Ana Carvalheira & Bente Træen, 2019. "Successful aging, change in sexual interest and sexual satisfaction in couples from four European Countries," European Journal of Ageing, Springer, vol. 16(2), pages 155-165, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:eujoag:v:16:y:2019:i:2:d:10.1007_s10433-018-0492-1
    DOI: 10.1007/s10433-018-0492-1
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Rachel Pruchno & Deborah Carr, 2017. "Successful Aging 2.0: Resilience and Beyond," The Journals of Gerontology: Series B, The Gerontological Society of America, vol. 72(2), pages 201-203.
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    Cited by:

    1. N. Fischer & B. Træen & A. Štulhofer & G. M. Hald, 2020. "Mechanisms underlying the association between perceived discrepancy in sexual interest and sexual satisfaction among partnered older adults in four European countries," European Journal of Ageing, Springer, vol. 17(2), pages 151-162, June.
    2. Bente Træen & Feliciano Villar, 2020. "Sexual well-being is part of aging well," European Journal of Ageing, Springer, vol. 17(2), pages 135-138, June.

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