Sexual Activity and Satisfaction in Older Adult Dyads: The Role of Perceptions of Aging

Background and Objectives This study assessed the associations between perceptions of aging (POA) and sexual frequency and satisfaction in older adult dyads. Research Design and Methods Using dyadic data from up to 1,122 different-sex married and cohabiting couples ages 50-89 (M-men = 66.63 [7.40]; M-women = 64.43 [7.27]), we estimated 2 actor-partner interdependence models. We first examined the association between men's and women's POA and each partner's reports of frequency of partnered sexual activity (e.g., intercourse, oral sex, kissing, petting, and fondling). Then, we tested the link between POA and each partner's sexual satisfaction. Results Actor effects were detected in both models. Both men's and women's positive POA were associated with their own reports of more frequent sexual activity and greater satisfaction with their sex lives. Discussion and Implications These findings provide insight into how positive views on aging relate to older couples' sexuality. Future research should consider how attitudes shape later-life sexuality over time.