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Bourchier L, Temple-Smith M, Hocking JS, Malta S. Older patients want to talk about sexual health in Australian primary care. Aust J Prim Health 2024; 30:PY24016. [PMID: 39299683 DOI: 10.1071/py24016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 07/22/2024] [Indexed: 09/22/2024]
Abstract
Background Maintaining sexual health and function is important to many older adults. Although older patients are regular users of primary care, opportunities to address sexual health concerns are missed. Building on interview studies, this research aimed to collect a larger number of older adults' perspectives to deepen understanding of sexual healthcare needs and formulate recommendations for the Australian primary care context. Methods As part of the SHAPE2 Survey of older adults' sexual health information-seeking behaviours, participants (aged ≥60years and living in Australia) were asked what sexual health issues were most important to them, and the barriers they experienced in managing their sexual health. Data were collected in 2021 in the form of free-text comments. The sub-set of comments that related to healthcare experiences were analysed using qualitative content analysis. Results Out of 1470 survey participants, 864 responded to the relevant questions, and of these 107 wrote about healthcare experiences. Some comments described positive experiences seeking sexual health care; however, the majority outlined barriers to accessing support. Barriers were categorised into seven categories: patient embarrassment, barriers to rapport, uncertainty about finding solutions, ageism, barriers unique to minorities, needing general practitioners to initiate conversations and structural barriers. Conclusions Older patients want general practitioners to initiate sexual health conversations as part of routine care, and, crucially, sexual issues raised by the patient should be legitimised and treated with due attention. Although challenges, such as time, embarrassment and pressing health concerns, may hamper sexual health discussions, it is important that this area of holistic care is given more attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise Bourchier
- Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Vic, Australia
| | - Meredith Temple-Smith
- Department of General Practice and Primary Care, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Vic, Australia
| | - Jane S Hocking
- Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Vic, Australia
| | - Sue Malta
- Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Vic, Australia
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Bourchier L, Temple-Smith M, Hocking J, Bittleston H, Malta S. Engaging older Australians in sexual health research: SHAPE2 survey recruitment and sample. Sex Health 2024; 21:NULL. [PMID: 38071758 DOI: 10.1071/sh23116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sexual health research rarely includes older age groups and the sexual health needs of older Australians are not well understood. Older adults are online in increasing numbers; however, internet surveys involving samples of older adults and sensitive topics remain uncommon. In 2021, we developed an online survey to explore the sexual health needs of Australians aged 60+years. We describe here survey recruitment and sample obtained, comparing it with national population data (Australian Bureau of Statistics) and the sample of the similar 'Sex, Age and Me' study from 2015. METHODS We recruited 1470 people with a staggered three-phase strategy: (1) emails to organisations and community groups; (2) paid Facebook advertising; and (3) passive recruitment. Half (50.6%) found out about the study via an organisation or group and just over a third (35.7%) from Facebook. RESULTS The sample was equally balanced between men (49.9%) and women (49.7%) (0.4% other gender identities). Participants were aged 60-92years (median 69years) with all Australian States/Territories represented. Facebook recruits were younger, more likely to be working rather than retired, and more likely to live outside a major city, than those recruited by other means. CONCLUSIONS Using the recruitment methods described, we successfully obtained a diverse and fairly representative sample of older Australians within the constraints of a convenience sample and on a modest budget. This research sheds light on ways to engage an under-served demographic in sexual health research. Our experience shows that many older adults are amenable to recruitment for online sexual health surveys using the approaches outlined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise Bourchier
- Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - Meredith Temple-Smith
- Department of General Practice and Primary Care, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - Jane Hocking
- Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - Helen Bittleston
- Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - Sue Malta
- Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
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Mohammadi M, Allahverdipour H, Ghanbari Moghaddam A, Matlabi H. The Prevalence of Andropause and Its Relationship With Sexual Quality of Life Among Older Iranian Men. Am J Mens Health 2023; 17:15579883231161050. [PMID: 36922911 PMCID: PMC10021096 DOI: 10.1177/15579883231161050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Available evidence indicates insufficient knowledge about the status of andropause and sexual quality of life among Iranian older men. The study aimed to investigate the prevalence of andropause and its relationship with sexual quality among older adults. This descriptive-analytical study was conducted among 576 older people referred to urban health centers in Mashhad, Iran. The eligible samples were selected through the cluster sampling method. To collect data, the male andropause symptoms' self-assessment questionnaire and the sexual quality of life-male were used. Forty-seven of the respondents (n = 271) were diagnosed with a "moderate" level of andropause. A strong negative correlation was identified between the sexual quality of life and the severity of andropause (r = -.366, p < .001). Sexual quality of life and andropause was also affected by age, marital status, health status, and exercise. Thirty-six percent of the changes in the quality of sexual life of older men were influenced by the independent variables (adjusted R2 = .36; R2 = .40; R = .63). The findings indicated that andropause has highly prevailed among the participants. There was a meaningful association between andropause and sexual quality of life among older men. Further studies are recommended to investigate sexual orientation qualitatively and to discover other factors influencing andropause among adult men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mojtaba Mohammadi
- Department of Geriatric Health, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Aging Research Center, Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, Sabzevar, Iran
| | - Hamid Allahverdipour
- Department of Health Education and Promotion, Faculty of Health Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Akram Ghanbari Moghaddam
- Research Center for Nursing and Midwifery Care, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Hossein Matlabi
- Department of Geriatric Health, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Research Center for Integrative Medicine in Aging, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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Syme ML, Cohn TJ. Aging sexual stereotypes and sexual expression in mid- and later life: examining the stereotype matching effect. Aging Ment Health 2021; 25:1507-1514. [PMID: 32363907 DOI: 10.1080/13607863.2020.1758909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Ageist sexual stereotypes may prohibit midlife and older adults from achieving sexual wellness when stereotypical beliefs about aging, sex, and intimacy become internalized over the life course (i.e. stereotype embodiment). Though there are several studies examining the application of stereotype embodiment theory to various health behaviors, it has not been applied to sexual and intimate health across the life course. The current study examined sexual stereotype embodiment by assessing the impact of aging-sexual-stigma on sexual and intimate activity among midlife and older adults. METHOD In this cross sectional study, a convenience sample of 972 adults aged 50 and older was recruited via a crowdsourcing platform. Participants completed an online survey assessing attitudes about aging sexuality and their participation in a spectrum of sexual and intimate behaviors. Hierarchical linear regression was used to examine the study hypotheses related to sexual and intimate behaviors among middle age and older adults. RESULTS Results of this exploratory study suggest that embodiment of sexual stereotypes effects both midlife and older adults, with endorsement of aging sexual stigma predicting lower engagement in both sexual and intimate activities. Sexual embodiment had similar effects across age cohort and gender. CONCLUSION In addition to pervasive societal impact, ageist sexual stereotypes appear to affect individual sexual health and wellness via internalized beliefs. This provides preliminary evidence for stereotype embodiment in a novel domain, sexual health. Future research should explore potential age and cohort effects across the life course in longitudinal studies with robust measures of aging sexual stigma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maggie L Syme
- Center on Aging, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, USA
| | - Tracy J Cohn
- Department of Psychology, Radford University, Radford, VA, USA
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Bourchier L, Malta S, Temple-Smith M, Hocking J. Do we need to worry about sexually transmissible infections (STIs) in older women in Australia? An investigation of STI trends between 2000 and 2018. Sex Health 2020; 17:517-524. [PMID: 33334416 DOI: 10.1071/sh20130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2020] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Background This study examined trends in chlamydia, gonorrhoea and syphilis diagnosis, and chlamydia testing and positivity, among older women in Australia between 2000 and 2018. METHODS Using national notifiable disease data and Medicare data, diagnosis rates were calculated for each sexually transmissible infection (STI), as well as testing and positivity rates for chlamydia. Data were compared between two older groups (55-64 and 65-74 years) and two younger groups (15-24 and 25-34 years). Poisson regression examined trends for 2000-18 and 2014-18 separately. RESULTS Rates for all STIs increased across all age groups and were highest in the two youngest age groups. From 2014 to 2018, chlamydia rates increased the most among those aged 55-64 years [incidence rate ratio (IRR) = 1.06; 95%CI: 1.02-1.10] and declined in those aged 15-24 years (IRR = 0.99; 95%CI: 0.99-0.99). Gonorrhoea rates increased the most among those aged 65-74 years (IRR = 1.47; 95%CI: 1.23-1.77) and least in those aged 15-24 years (IRR = 1.12; 95%CI: 1.10-1.13). Syphilis rates increased the most among those aged 55-64 years (IRR = 1.58; 95%CI: 1.25-1.99) and least in those aged 15-24 years (IRR = 1.29; 95%CI: 1.23-1.35). Chlamydia test positivity declined among younger women but remained stable in older women. CONCLUSIONS In general, STIs are increasing among older women in Australia at a faster rate than among younger women. Although the greatest burden is among younger women, STIs need to be considered and monitored among older women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise Bourchier
- Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, 207 Bouverie Street, Carlton, Vic. 3053, Australia; and Corresponding author.
| | - Sue Malta
- Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, 207 Bouverie Street, Carlton, Vic. 3053, Australia; and National Ageing Research Institute, Poplar Road, Parkville, Vic. 3052, Australia
| | - Meredith Temple-Smith
- Department of General Practice, The University of Melbourne, 780 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne, Vic. 3004, Australia
| | - Jane Hocking
- Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, 207 Bouverie Street, Carlton, Vic. 3053, Australia
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Soares KG, Meneghel SN. The silenced sexuality in dependent older adults. CIENCIA & SAUDE COLETIVA 2020; 26:129-136. [PMID: 33533833 DOI: 10.1590/1413-81232020261.30772020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 08/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Sexuality is a silent theme concerning the elderly population who is socially perceived as asexual. This qualitative approach paper is part of research on dependent older adults, which aimed to analyze their sexual experiences. The topic was retrieved from interviews with 26 of them, who talked about sex in their lives. The Thematic content analysis identified two main categories in the statements: gender differences in the treatment of sexuality and difficulty in talking about sex. Differences were observed in the perception and valuation of sexuality by gender. Older men give importance to sexual potency, and older women consider the cessation of sexual life in old age to be natural. Older men enunciate a sexuality concept based on biological satisfaction and sexual act, while women value partnership, affection, and fondness. Researchers were silent on the topic, although it was included in the research manual to guide the interview with older adults. However, while only 26 mentioned the subject, sexuality of older adults is modulated by gender perception. It is a poorly studied and challenging theme to approach in research and healthcare settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konrad Gutterres Soares
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Saúde Coletiva, Escola de Enfermagem, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul. R. São Manoel 963, Rio Branco. 90620-110. Porto Alegre RS Brasil.
| | - Stela Nazareth Meneghel
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Saúde Coletiva, Escola de Enfermagem, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul. R. São Manoel 963, Rio Branco. 90620-110. Porto Alegre RS Brasil.
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Ricoy-Cano AJ, Obrero-Gaitán E, Caravaca-Sánchez F, Fuente-Robles YMDL. Factors Conditioning Sexual Behavior in Older Adults: A Systematic Review of Qualitative Studies. J Clin Med 2020; 9:jcm9061716. [PMID: 32503157 PMCID: PMC7356633 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9061716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Revised: 05/28/2020] [Accepted: 06/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The sexual behavior of older adults, especially women, has undergone changes in recent years, though there are still certain stereotypes today related to pathophysiology, beliefs, culture and tradition that negatively affect older adults’ sexual activity. The aim of our review is to present the main qualitative studies analyzing how physiological and psychosocial factors affect sexual behavior in older adults. A systematic review of these qualitative studies was carried out. All stages of this review were carried out peer-to-peer in order to guarantee minimized bias. A bibliographical search was completed between February and April 2019, in Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed Medline, PsycINFO ProQuest and CINAHL. To analyze the findings of the selected qualitative studies, a “Thematic Synthesis Analysis” was performed, using Eppi-Reviewer 4 software (UCL Institute of Education, University of London, UK). The quality of the studies was assessed with a CASP-Qualitative-Checklist. A total of 16,608 references were screened and 18 qualitative studies were included in this review. The studies involved 2603 participants across seven countries, most being women (approximately 80%). We identified a wide variety of physiological and psychological factors that can influence the sexual behavior of older adults, such as the presence of pathologies (erectile dysfunction and menopause), the strength of spiritual beliefs, and patriarchal roles upheld by upbringings conveying that women’s role is to provide men with sexual pleasure. Biological age in relation to stereotypical models of sexual behavior, emphasized as a risk factor in the contraction of sexual diseases, seems to play a relevant role as a factor limiting sexual behavior in older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrián Jesús Ricoy-Cano
- Social Work Department, University of Jaén, 23071 Jaén, Spain; (A.J.R.-C.); (F.C.-S.); (Y.M.D.L.F.-R.)
| | - Esteban Obrero-Gaitán
- Physiotherapy Area, Department. of Health Sciences, University of Jaén, 23071 Jaén, Spain
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-953212381
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Abstract
Public opinion on later-life sexuality affects older people's sexual health, behaviour, and satisfaction. In this study, we explored public opinion on later-life sexuality by participants' responding to an open-ended question rather than rank their level of agreement or disagreement with different statements about older people's sexuality. Responses from 135 men and women reflecting on how sexuality changes in older age were thematically analysed. Five themes emerged, varying from positive to negative perceptions of later-life sexuality. Older people's sexuality was described as declining, non-existent, conservative, narrow, tedious, and boring, but also as encompassing more emotions and feelings; being better and more "complete". This study provides qualitative data and an opportunity to gain insights on valuable opinions on what young and middle-aged people think about later-life sexuality. Assessing what people think about later-life sexuality is the first stage in instilling more liberating views about the diversity of sexual expressions in old age.
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da Silva FG, Pelzer MT, Neutzling BRDS. The Attitudes of Elderly Women Regarding the Expression of Their Sexuality. AQUICHAN 2019. [DOI: 10.5294/aqui.2019.19.3.4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: To identify the attitudes elderly women have with respect to their sexuality. Material and method: Exploratory, descriptive study of qualitative approach conducted during the second semester of 2018, with the participation of 19 elderly women, between 60 and 69 years of age, members of two groups for the elderly located in the city of Rio Grande-RS, Brazil. Data was collected through individual, semistructured interview and audio recorded. Thereafter, the data were subjected to the Bardin thematic analysis. Results: Upon analyzing the data, four categories emerged: Change in the expression of sexuality after 60 years of age; feelings derived from talking about sexuality; with whom do they talk about sexuality; importance of affective relationships for the elderly. The elderly women show favorable attitudes regarding their sexuality and noted no significant changes in the expression of sexuality after turning 60 years of age. However, they were embarrassed to talk about this matter because they had received a repressive education. In addition, they sought friends to address any questions. Conclusion: Affective, loving, and sexual relation are extremely important, given that it promotes physical and mental wellbeing, generates feelings of joy and happiness, which provides more vitality and pleasure in living to the elderly women.
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Ayalon L, Gewirtz-Meydan A, Levkovich I, Karkabi K. Older men and women reflect on changes in sexual functioning in later life. SEXUAL AND RELATIONSHIP THERAPY 2019. [DOI: 10.1080/14681994.2019.1633576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Liat Ayalon
- The Louis and Gaby Weisfeld School of Social Work, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Ateret Gewirtz-Meydan
- Crimes against Children Research Center and Family Research Laboratory, Department of Sociology, University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH, USA
- Sex and Couples Therapy Unit, Meir Medical Center, Kfar-Saba, Israel
| | - Inbar Levkovich
- The Division of Family Medicine, The Ruth & Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Khaled Karkabi
- Department of Family Medicine, The Ruth & Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Clalit Health Services, Haifa & Western Galilee District, Israel
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Wilson D, Breen L, Lord JM, Sapey E. The challenges of muscle biopsy in a community based geriatric population. BMC Res Notes 2018; 11:830. [PMID: 30477571 PMCID: PMC6260758 DOI: 10.1186/s13104-018-3947-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2018] [Accepted: 11/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives To describe the difficulties of obtaining muscle samples using a Bergstrom needle technique in a frail older adult population. The data were obtained from a study primarily investigating immunosenescence in frailty. An intended research technique was skeletal muscle biopsy in a small subset of participants to investigate muscle morphology and local inflammatory factors. Results Forty healthy older adults and 37 frail older adults were considered for a Bergstrom needle muscle biopsy. Of these, 17.5% of healthy older adults and 94.6% of the frail older adults had single or multiple participant factors resulting in a contra-indication to muscle biopsy. 40.7% of healthy older female participants were at risk of a failed muscle biopsy due to low muscle mass. Considering only muscle mass muscle biopsy would have been successful in 18.7% of the frail older women and 21.4% of the frail older men. In this population, muscle biopsy was not feasible because of contra-indications in the majority of participants. This questions whether a biopsy sample obtained from frail older individuals, is actually representative of this population and supports the need to disclose biopsy failure rate in this population. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13104-018-3947-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daisy Wilson
- MRC-ARUK Centre for Musculoskeletal Ageing Research, Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, University of Birmingham, Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2WD, UK.
| | - Leigh Breen
- MRC-ARUK Centre for Musculoskeletal Ageing Research, Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, University of Birmingham, Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2WD, UK
| | - Janet M Lord
- MRC-ARUK Centre for Musculoskeletal Ageing Research, Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, University of Birmingham, Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2WD, UK
| | - Elizabeth Sapey
- MRC-ARUK Centre for Musculoskeletal Ageing Research, Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, University of Birmingham, Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2WD, UK
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Freak-Poli R, Licher S, Ryan J, Ikram MA, Tiemeier H. Cognitive Impairment, Sexual Activity and Physical Tenderness in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Cross-Sectional Exploration. Gerontology 2018; 64:589-602. [PMID: 30138922 PMCID: PMC6262681 DOI: 10.1159/000490560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2017] [Accepted: 06/04/2018] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The ability to engage in sexual activity and better cognitive functioning are both associated with better health. However, the association between cognitive functioning and sexual activity is understudied. OBJECTIVE To examine the association between cognitive functioning with sexual activity and physical tenderness among community-dwelling older adults. METHODS From the Rotterdam Study, cognitive impairment and sexual activity were assessed in 4,201 community-dwelling, 60+ year olds between 2008 and 2014 in the Netherlands. Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) was based upon subjective complaints related to age and education-adjusted test scores. Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) impairment was defined by a score of < 26. Sexual activity and physical tenderness (e.g., fondling or kissing) in the last 6 months were assessed at an interview. Analyses were stratified by gender and partner status, with prevalence rates for the "no impairment" categories weighted based on age from the cognitive impairment categories. Inter-rater reliability was examined utilising 74 cohabiting couples of opposite gender. RESULTS It was found that 14% were categorised as having cognitive impairment, and < 1% as dementia (excluded from subsequent analyses). There was strong evidence that the odds of engaging in physical tenderness (observed through MMSE < 26, OR 2.14, 95% CI 1.32-3.48, p = 0.002) and sexual activity (MCI, OR 2.36, 95% CI 1.35-4.12, p = 0.003) among partnered females with no impairment was twice that observed among cognitively impaired partnered females. There was weak evidence that the odds of engaging in physical tenderness (MMSE < 26, OR 1.59, 95% CI 1.04-2.42, p = 0.03) and sexual activity (MMSE < 26, OR 1.51, 95% CI 1.02-2.24, p = 0.04) among partnered males with no impairment was 50% greater than observed among cognitively impaired partnered males. The associations between cognitive functioning and physical tenderness continued to remain after adjustment for physical function, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and cancer. There was no clear evidence of a difference between amnestic and non-amnestic MCI for sexual behaviour. There was moderate to substantial agreement among the coupled adults who had 1 partner categorised with MCI. CONCLUSION Having no cognitive impairment was associated with more engagement in sexual activity and physical tenderness among community-dwelling older adults. Sexuality is an important aspect of active aging and our findings illustrate a potential barrier to maintaining or instigating intimate relationships as we age. Longitudinal analyses are required to explore the direction of effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosanne Freak-Poli
- Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Silvan Licher
- Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Joanne Ryan
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - M. Arfan Ikram
- Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Henning Tiemeier
- Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Erasmus Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Psychiatry, Erasmus Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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Fileborn B, Lyons A, Heywood W, Hinchliff S, Malta S, Dow B, Brown G, Barrett C, Minichiello V. Talking to healthcare providers about sex in later life: Findings from a qualitative study with older Australian men and women. Australas J Ageing 2017. [DOI: 10.1111/ajag.12450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Bianca Fileborn
- Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society, School of Psychology and Public Health La Trobe University Melbourne Victoria Australia
- School of Social Sciences, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences University of New South Wales Sydney New South Wales Australia
| | - Anthony Lyons
- Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society, School of Psychology and Public Health La Trobe University Melbourne Victoria Australia
| | - Wendy Heywood
- Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society, School of Psychology and Public Health La Trobe University Melbourne Victoria Australia
| | - Sharron Hinchliff
- School of Nursing and Midwifery University of Sheffield Sheffield UK
| | - Sue Malta
- National Ageing Research Institute University of Melbourne Melbourne Victoria Australia
- Swinburne Institute of Social Research Swinburne University of Technology Melbourne Victoria Australia
| | - Briony Dow
- National Ageing Research Institute University of Melbourne Melbourne Victoria Australia
| | - Graham Brown
- Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society, School of Psychology and Public Health La Trobe University Melbourne Victoria Australia
| | - Catherine Barrett
- Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society, School of Psychology and Public Health La Trobe University Melbourne Victoria Australia
| | - Victor Minichiello
- Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society, School of Psychology and Public Health La Trobe University Melbourne Victoria Australia
- School of Medicine and Public Health University of Newcastle Newcastle New South Wales Australia
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