In data obtained from interviews with 60-79-year-old, married uppermiddle-class males, frequency of sexual expression proved to be independent of such factors as marital adjustment, sexual attractiveness of wives, sexual attitudes, and demographic features of the marital history. However, former levels of sexual functioning, as revealed by retrospective inquiry, appeared as highly significant correlates of current functioning in accordance with the hypothesis that males generally maintain relatively high or low rates of sexual activity throughout their lives. Of particular interest was the finding that, in the male, sexual frequency, erotic responsiveness to visual stimuli, and time comfortable without sex are closely interrelated phenomena, suggesting that all three variables are strongly commensurate with degree of motivation. Finally, those subjects found to be less than fully potent at report were also found to be virtually free of performance anxiety, feelings of sexual deprivation, and loss of self-esteem. This is consistent with lack of motivation being responsible for lower sexual functioning.

Sex after Sixty

Factor affecting sexual functioning in 60-79-year-old married males.

The article reviews the research of the past 10 years on the major alternatives to the traditional nuclear family [in the United States]; documents the gradually increasing pluralism; summarizes what is now known about each of the major nontraditional family forms; and notes the primary research needs. (EXCERPT)

Nontraditional family forms: a decade of research

Eighty university students and 40 staff members of a nursing home for the aged rated their reactions to three stories: a neutral (decision-making) story, a coital story, and a masturbatory story. For each story, the age and gender of the main character were varied. Results indicated an absence of negative attitudes toward sex in the aged. However, sex in the aged was less credible than sex in young people. Nursing home staff members had more negative attitudes toward sexual stories than did the students. Gender of rater had little effect. Coitus was rated more favorably for the male character than for the female character, and the reverse was true for masturbation.

Attitudes toward sex in the aged.

In an attempt to evaluate how widows of various ages adapt sexually to loss of a marital partner, 100 relatively healthy, community-dwelling widows between the ages of 40 and 89 completed a reliable 101-item questionnaire which evaluated three major areas: 1) barriers to sexual expression posed by age-related changes in body image, mood state and environmental context; 2) degree of unhappiness associated with loss of various marriage-oriented activities; and 3) perceived utility of various activities which indirectly might satisfy sexual and affectional needs. Controlling for income, education, heterosocial involvement, and family contact, and using level of morale and depression as corroborative measures, results showed specific age differences across variables assessed. In particular, younger widows, when compared with their older counterparts, viewed changes in body image, the dearth of unattached men, and limited financial resources for social activities as representing significant sexual barriers. Increasing age of the widow was associated with lower unhappiness ratings with loss of marriage-related activities. For the sample as a whole, greater unhappiness was expressed with the loss of nonsexual, heterosocial activity (e.g., conversation with a man, going places with a man). Results also indicated that, regardless of the widow's age, activities pertaining to her children and grandchildren, wearing attractive clothing, and expressing her spirituality are all effective in meeting affectional and sexual needs. Results are discussed within the context of older female sexuality, affectional adaptation to widowhood, and therapeutic implications directed at this neglected group.

Widowhood, sexuality and aging: a life span analysis.

Despite continuing ageist beliefs that sexuality is a privilege designed only for the young and physically healthy, research continues to indicate that the majority of older adults maintain interest in sexuality and may engage in fulfilling sexual behavior well into their last decade of life. Unfortunately, many professionals remain unaware of general knowledge of elderly sexuality, including the expected and normal physiological changes that can occur within the context of both male and female aging.

Sex after Sixty

Citations

Factor affecting sexual functioning in 60-79-year-old married males.

Nontraditional family forms: a decade of research

Attitudes toward sex in the aged.

Widowhood, sexuality and aging: a life span analysis.

Sexuality and aging.

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