It's not age that prevents sexual activity later in life

Abstract

Objective: To describe key factors that facilitate sexual behaviour in later life. Methods: Re-analysis of data from a study of 2,374 Dutch older adults. Results: Partner availability, gender and health are likely to be more important factors influencing sexual behaviour engagement than the factor of age in later life. Lack of partner availability, traditional gender roles and poor health are associated with older age. However, current generations of older adults will be more capable, less ashamed of their sexual desires and engage in more sexual behaviour than prior generations. Conclusion: This analysis observed that sexual activity is associated with partner availability and better health, rather than age, countering stereotypes of decline in sexual behaviour and normalising sexual activity and desire in later life.