scholarly journals Different Strokes for Different Folks? Examining a New Measure for Age-Relative Sexual Attitudes

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 605-605
Author(s):  
Allyson Graf ◽  
Kinsey Bryant-Lees ◽  
Tracy Cohn ◽  
Maggie Syme
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Health ◽  
Sexual Activity ◽  
Old Age ◽  
Sexual Attitudes ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Sexual Attitude ◽  
Age Group ◽  
Sexual Beliefs ◽  
Conservative Beliefs ◽  
Amazon's Mechanical Turk

Abstract Recent research suggests increasingly permissive attitudes towards sexual activity in later life. Harboring more conservative beliefs especially as one reaches older age, however, may translate into how one views and navigates sexual health changes. A sample of participants (N = 706; Mage = 52.72 years, SD = 9.57, range = 36-79; 60.8% male) was recruited through Amazon’s Mechanical Turk to complete a survey on sexual beliefs about age and aging. Participants completed two versions of the Relative Sexual Attitudes Scale (RASA), wherein they were prompted to consider either “someone their own age” or “an older person” in response to items assessing sexual attitudes. Multi-group confirmatory factor analysis was used to confirm the original five-factor structure, reduce the total items from 31 to 25, and establish measurement equivalence for the 36-54 year-old and 55+ year-old samples. Through a series of profile analyses investigating each subscale, scores did not significantly differ between the two prompts, although significant age-group differences were found with the 36-54 year-old age group reporting more open attitudes than the 55+ year-old age group across all subscales, except the traditional mores subscale. Sexual attitude subscale scores also differed by gender, engagement in partnered sexual activity, and whether one had spoken to a health professional about their sexual health in the past year. The findings support use of the RASA for adults 36 and older and highlight applications to understanding differences in sexual health into later life.

“Shades of Grey”: Exploring Public Opinion about Later-Life Sexuality

2020 ◽  
Vol 39 (4) ◽  
pp. 647-661 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ateret Gewirtz-Meydan ◽  
Liat Ayalon
Keyword(s):  
Public Opinion ◽  
Sexual Health ◽  
Old Age ◽  
Health Behaviour ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Men And Women ◽  
Aged People ◽  
Negative Perceptions ◽  
Level Of Agreement

ABSTRACTPublic 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.

scholarly journals SEXUAL ATTITUDES IN MIDDLE-AGED AND OLDER ADULTS: DEVELOPING AN UPDATED AND AGE-RELATIVE MEASUREMENT SCALE

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S303-S303
Author(s):  
Allyson S Graf ◽  
Viviane Johnson
Keyword(s):  
Local Community ◽  
Sexual Attitudes ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Measurement Scale ◽  
Middle Aged ◽  
Diverse Range ◽  
Sexual Identities ◽  
Aging Adults ◽  
Amazon's Mechanical Turk

Abstract Sexual attitudes in later life contribute to sexual and psychological well-being. Existing scales of sexual attitudes specific to aging adults are narrowly focused on specific settings or population sub-groups and are not inclusive of the diverse range of sex-related activities and sexual identities represented in present and upcoming older cohorts. The aim of this study was to create and validate a multi-dimensional measure of sexual attitudes appropriate for a sexually-diverse aging population. Following focus groups and feedback, 51 survey items were constructed; other measures of sexual attitudes, knowledge, and behaviors were included for the purposes of validation. A sample of participants (N = 291; Mage = 56.69, SD = 8.82, range = 45-99; 63.2% female) was recruited through Amazon’s Mechanical Turk and the local community to complete a survey on sexual attitudes, well-being, and health. Psychometric properties of the measure were assessed using exploratory factor analysis to reduce items and identify existing factor structures; construct validity was confirmed using correlations with existing measures of sexual attitudes; and internal consistency was assessed for each sub-scale. Five factors emerged: core personal values (8-items; α = .99), communication and expression (13-items; α = .92), sources of knowledge (9-items; α = .87), traditional taboos (9-items; α = .89), and consent within established relationships (4-items; α = .94). Results provide a relevant and multi-faceted measurement of sexual attitudes for use with middle-aged and older adult populations. Future studies may benefit from an alternative to dated, restrictive measures. Validation should be ongoing with more diverse samples.

scholarly journals A comparative study of sexual attitudes towards lesbianism and homosexuality with reference to age and gender

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Simran Sharma
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Attitudes ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Personal Data ◽  
Sexual Attitude ◽  
Attitude Scale ◽  
The Other ◽  
Age Group ◽  
Age And Gender ◽  
Male And Female ◽  
And Gender

The aim of the present study was to find out whether age and gender have an influence on the sexual attitudes of people. The following components of sexual attitude were studied namely: Attitude towards lesbianism and homosexuality. The sample consisted of 100 subjects in which 50 were from the age group of 18-28 years further divided equally with respect to gender (25-male, 25-female) and the other 50 in the age group of 50-60 years similarly divided into male and female. 2×2 Factorial design was used as the research design for the present study. The sample was first divided in two groups on the basis of age and then further on the basis of gender. Personal data sheet and a questionnaire titled ‘Sexual Attitude Scale’ developed by Amit Abraham was used for data collection. Gathered data was calculated and analysed by F-test (ANOVA). The results revealed that subjects in the age group of 18-28 years had a favourable sexual attitude and 50-60 years had an unfavourable sexual attitude. On the basis of gender, males showed a favourable sexual attitude over females. While studying the interaction of age and gender on sexual attitudes it was found that males in the age group of 18-28 years had the most favourable sexual attitude whereas the females in the age groups of 50-60 years had the least favourable sexual attitude.

scholarly journals A comparative study of sexual attitudes towards lesbianism and homosexuality with reference to age and gender

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Simran Sharma
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Attitudes ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Personal Data ◽  
Sexual Attitude ◽  
Attitude Scale ◽  
The Other ◽  
Age Group ◽  
Age And Gender ◽  
Male And Female ◽  
And Gender

The aim of the present study was to find out whether age and gender have an influence on the sexual attitudes of people. The following components of sexual attitude were studied namely: Attitude towards lesbianism and homosexuality. The sample consisted of 100 subjects in which 50 were from the age group of 18-28 years further divided equally with respect to gender (25-male, 25-female) and the other 50 in the age group of 50-60 years similarly divided into male and female. 2×2 Factorial design was used as the research design for the present study. The sample was first divided in two groups on the basis of age and then further on the basis of gender. Personal data sheet and a questionnaire titled ‘Sexual Attitude Scale’ developed by Amit Abraham was used for data collection. Gathered data was calculated and analysed by F-test (ANOVA). The results revealed that subjects in the age group of 18-28 years had a favourable sexual attitude and 50-60 years had an unfavourable sexual attitude. On the basis of gender, males showed a favourable sexual attitude over females. While studying the interaction of age and gender on sexual attitudes it was found that males in the age group of 18-28 years had the most favourable sexual attitude whereas the females in the age groups of 50-60 years had the least favourable sexual attitude.

scholarly journals Prevalence of Masturbation and Associated Factors Among Older Adults in Four European Countries

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nantje Fischer ◽  
Cynthia A. Graham ◽  
Bente Træen ◽  
Gert Martin Hald
Keyword(s):  
Older People ◽  
Sexual Activity ◽  
Associated Factors ◽  
Sexual Attitudes ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Sexual Pleasure ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Using Data ◽  
Almost All

AbstractSolitary sexual activity is a free, safe, and accessible way to experience sexual pleasure. Despite these advantages, research on masturbation in later life is highly understudied. Using data from a cross-sectional probability-based survey of 3816 European adults (mean age 67 years; range 60–75 years), we explored several sociodemographic, health, attitudinal, and sexual behavioral factors associated with reported masturbation frequency. Across all countries, between 41% and 65% of men and 27% and 40% of women reported any masturbation in the preceding month. Satisfaction with sexual activity and attitudes related to disapproval of sex without love were significant predictors of reported masturbation in almost all countries and in both genders. Age, education, self-perceived health, and depression were for the most part predictive of men’s reported masturbation, but not women’s. Generally, those believing sex is beneficial to older people were more likely to masturbate, while less permissive attitudes decreased the likelihood of reporting masturbation. To improve healthy sexual aging, misinformation about masturbation and sexual attitudes in older people need to be addressed.

Images of Aging in the Psychotherapeutic Context

GeroPsych ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 28 (2) ◽  
pp. 47-55 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eva-Marie Kessler ◽  
Catherine E. Bowen
Keyword(s):  
Old Age ◽  
Diagnostic Tests ◽  
Aging Process ◽  
Developmental Psychology ◽  
Mental Representations ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Psychotherapeutic Process ◽  
Images Of Aging ◽  
Client Communication

Both psychotherapists and their clients have mental representations of old age and the aging process. In this conceptual review, we draw on available research from gerontology, social and developmental psychology, and communication science to consider how these “images of aging” may affect the psychotherapeutic process with older clients. On the basis of selected empirical findings we hypothesize that such images may affect the pathways to psychotherapy in later life, therapist-client communication, client performance on diagnostic tests as well as how therapists select and apply a therapeutic method. We posit that interventions to help both older clients and therapists to reflect on their own images of aging may increase the likelihood of successful treatment. We conclude by making suggestions for future research.

Perceived Stress Predicts Subsequent Self-Reported Problems With Vision and Hearing: Longitudinal Findings From the German Ageing Survey

2021 ◽  
pp. 016402752110273
Author(s):  
Markus Wettstein ◽  
Hans-Werner Wahl ◽  
Vera Heyl
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factor ◽  
Chronic Diseases ◽  
Old Age ◽  
Perceived Stress ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Chronological Age ◽  
Middle Adulthood ◽  
Self Rated Health ◽  
Demographic Indicators ◽  
German Ageing Survey

Although stress is a risk factor for various diseases in later life, its role for sensory abilities in the second half of life has rarely been empirically addressed. We examined if perceived stress at baseline predicts self-reported difficulties with vision and hearing 3 years later. We also explored whether chronological age is a moderator of associations between stress and sensory difficulties. Our sample was derived from the German Ageing Survey and consisted of n = 5,085 individuals aged 40–95 years ( M = 64.01 years, SD = 10.84 years). Controlling for baseline self-reported sensory functioning, socio-demographic indicators, self-rated health and chronic diseases, greater perceived stress at baseline predicted greater self-reported difficulties with vision and hearing 3 years later. The effect of stress did not vary by age. Our findings suggest that, from middle adulthood to advanced old age, stress is a risk factor for increases in self-perceived problems with vision and hearing.

scholarly journals Sexual Health in Spanish People with Intellectual Disability: the Impact of the Lockdown due to COVID-19

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Dolores Gil-Llario ◽  
Irene Díaz-Rodríguez ◽  
Vicente Morell-Mengual ◽  
Beatriz Gil-Juliá ◽  
Rafael Ballester-Arnal
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Abuse ◽  
Sexual Behavior ◽  
Sexual Health ◽  
Intellectual Disabilities ◽  
Sexual Activity ◽  
Policy Implications ◽  
The People ◽  
People With Intellectual Disabilities ◽  
Technological Improvements ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Introduction The lockdown due to COVID-19 affected the sexual health of the people with intellectual disabilities by differentially modifying the frequency and characteristics of people’s sexual activity depending on whether or not they lived with a partner during this period. The aim of this study was to analyze the extent to which the sexual behavior of people with intellectual disabilities (with and without a partner) was affected during the lockdown. Methods The sample consisted of 73 people with intellectual disabilities between 21 and 63 years old (M = 39.63; SD = 10.11). The variables analyzed were the physical, social, and technological environment during the lockdown, sexual appetite, sexual behavior, online sexual activity, and sexual abuse. The data were collected between the months of May and June of 2020. Results The lockdown increased the sexual appetite of a third of the sample (38%), especially the youngest participants. Sexual activity focused on autoeroticism and online behavior, particularly sending nude images of oneself (88%) and viewing pornography (83.6%). Rates of sexual abuse during this period were relatively high (6.8%). Conclusions The sexual activity of people with ID was important during the lockdown, and they had to adapt to the circumstances of isolation in a similar way to the general population. Technological improvements in terms of devices and connection quality at home allowed their sexual behavior to be reoriented, opening the door to new risks for the sexual health of people with ID. Policy Implications Cybersex and the increase in sexual abuse due to confinement are aspects that should be included in programs to improve the sexual health of this group.

scholarly journals Understanding diversity in later life through images of old age

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-20 ◽  
Author(s):  
Friederike Enßle ◽  
Ilse Helbrecht
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Research ◽  
Old Age ◽  
Public Discourse ◽  
Social Groups ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Older Individuals ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
Conceptual Debate ◽  
Micro Level ◽  
Images Of Old Age

Abstract This article aims to enhance the conceptual debate on diversity in old age by exploring the interplay of diversity in later life and images of old age. We argue that the analysis of images of old age on the micro-level is a fruitful methodology in order to unravel the meaning of diversity in later life. Drawing on findings from qualitative research in Berlin, we explore how new and diverse imaginations, experiences and lifestyles of old age emerge. The conceptual focus on images of old age enables us to investigate further what diversity in later life comprises and how it simultaneously fosters the genesis of new images of old age. The manifold new images we found in our research suggest that prevalent societal discourses about old age on the macro-level are rather deceptive and represent mostly stereotypes such as ‘active agers’ or ‘frail and dependent elders’. We offer three explanations why alternative images of old age are currently barely present in public discourse: (a) the actors transmitting images of age; (b) the institutionalisation of the images; and (c) the challenge to communicate complexity. We conclude by suggesting that images of old age are a promising starting point to explore and make visible both the diversity of social groups within the older generation as well as the heterogeneity of older individuals.

scholarly journals Factors associated with early resumption of sexual intercourse among women during extended postpartum period in Northwest Ethiopia: a cross sectional study

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Birye Dessalegn Mekonnen
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Health ◽  
Sexual Activity ◽  
Sexual Intercourse ◽  
Postnatal Care ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Northwest Ethiopia ◽  
Postpartum Women ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional

Abstract Background Postpartum sexual health and practice need to be integrated in the current maternal healthcare services to address sexual health problems. However, postpartum sexual practice has received little attention, and was not often discussed by healthcare providers during prenatal and postnatal care. Thus, this study was aimed to assess early resumption of sexual intercourse and associated factors among postpartum women in Gondar city, Northwest Ethiopia. Methods A community based cross-sectional study was conducted from January 20 to February 20, 2020. A systematic random sampling technique was used to select 634 postpartum women. A pretested, structured and interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect data. Data were entered into Epi Info 7.2.2 and exported to SPSS version 20 for analysis. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regressions analysis were done. Variables with p- value of < 0.05 were considered as statistically significant. Results The magnitude of early resumption of sexual intercourse after childbirth was found to be 26.9% (95% CI: 23.2, 30.8). Urban resident (AOR = 6.12, 95% CI: 2.41, 15.66), parity of one (AOR = 2.26, 95% CI: 1.66, 7.78), husband demand (AOR = 2.66, 95% CI: 1.72, 4.11), postnatal care (AOR = 1.45, 95% CI: 1.06, 2.18) and use of family planning (AOR = 2.72, 95% CI: 1.51, 3.43) were factors significantly associated with early resumption of sexual intercourse. Conclusion The study found that more than one fourth of women had resumed sexual intercourse within six weeks of following childbirth. The finding of this study suggests the need of integrating discussions of postpartum sexual activity into routine prenatal, intrapartum and postnatal care with collaborative effort of policy makers, program planners, health care providers and other stakeholders. Moreover, spousal communication on postpartum sexual activity should be encouraged.

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