The Truth About Senior's Sex Lives
Ivanhoe Newswire
ORLANDO, Fla. (Ivanhoe Newswire) -- Most people ages 57 to 85 consider sexuality an important part of life, according to a comprehensive survey of sexual attitudes, behaviors and problems among older adults in the United States. Researchers involved in the University of Chicago's National Social Life, Health and Aging Project report sexual activity in older adults declines only slightly from people in their 50s to people in their early 70s. "From a clinical perspective, there was a tremendous void in information to be able to provide people who are making health care decisions," Stacy Tesser Lindau, M.D., the study's lead author and assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology and of medicine-geriatrics at the University of Chicago, told Ivanhoe. Dr. Lindau said the results of the new study will help patients and doctors. Sexual activity is closely tied to overall health, more so than age, explained Dr. Lindau. As health declines in older adults, so does sexual activity. Research revealed healthy adults participated in vaginal intercourse, oral sex and masturbation well into their 70s and 80s. "One of the most important parts of this study, is that it paint a picture of normal healthy aging," said study co-author, Linda Waite, Ph.D. The study also revealed certain gender disparities in the realm of sexual activity. One difference being 78 percent of men ages 75 to 85 have a spouse or other intimate relationship, while only 40 percent women in the same age range. Researchers attribute this difference partially to women having longer life spans than men. Researchers say they hope this data will be utilized not only to help the aging population to make informed decisions, but also to inform medical professionals about the norms of sexual trends. "This data is a gold mine for researchers, physicians, scientists, and the general public," said Dr. Waite. This article was reported by Ivanhoe.com, which offers Medical Alerts by e-mail every day of the week. To subscribe, click on: http://www.ivanhoe.com/newsalert/. SOURCE: Ivanhoe Interview with Stacey Tesser Lindau, M.D.; Linda Waite, Ph.D.; The New England Journal of Medicine, 2007, 357:762-774
By Lindsay Braun, Ivanhoe Health Correspondent
Last updated 8/23/2007.
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