Factors Associated with Four Sexual Behaviors among Married/Partnered Women Ages 60 and Older in the United States Academic Article uri icon

abstract

  • Women ages 60 and older vary in sexual behaviors. This study examined the prevalence of vaginal intercourse, outercourse, and receipt and performance of oral sex reported among 461 married/partnered women age ≥ 60 years in the United States and factors associated with these four sexual behaviors. Using data from the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project, associations between participants’ socio-demographics, health indicators, sexual perceptions, communication, and sexual behaviors were examined. In the past year, 53.6% reported having vaginal intercourse, 56.0% outercourse, and 21.7% receiving and 20.6% performing oral sex. Women with depressive symptomology were less likely to report intercourse and outercourse (p < 0.05). Women endorsing pleasurable sex as necessary to maintain relationships were more likely to report all four behaviors (p < 0.01). Women who communicated openly with partners were more likely to report intercourse (p = 0.002), outercourse (p = 0.001), and performing oral sex (p = 0.025). Findings may inform strategies about positive sex perceptions and strengthening partner communication.

published proceedings

  • Sexes

altmetric score

  • 1

author list (cited authors)

  • Bergeron, C. D., Goltz, H. H., Boolani, A., & Smith, M. L.

citation count

  • 0

complete list of authors

  • Bergeron, Caroline D||Goltz, Heather H||Boolani, Ali||Smith, Matthew Lee

publication date

  • October 2021

publisher

published in