Journal
JOURNAL OF SEX RESEARCH
Volume 55, Issue 2, Pages 152-163Publisher
ROUTLEDGE JOURNALS, TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD
DOI: 10.1080/00224499.2016.1269308
Keywords
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Funding
- National Institute on Aging [2RO1AG7644-01A1, 2RO1AG017644]
- Research into Ageing Fellowship [365]
- fRaill project as part of the cross-research council Life Long Health and Wellbeing Programme [MRC G1001375/1]
- MRC [G1001375] Funding Source: UKRI
- Economic and Social Research Council [ES/M010147/1] Funding Source: researchfish
- Medical Research Council [G1001375] Funding Source: researchfish
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There is a growing body of evidence demonstrating that sexual activity is important to the quality of life of older adults, and that it can be influenced by physical, psychological, and social factors. However, older adults' experiences of sexual difficulties remain relatively unexplored. This article draws on qualitative data collected as part of the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA). Participants answered a Sexual Relationships and Activities Questionnaire (SRA-Q), which included an open comment box for further details, 1,084 (1/7) of which were completed. These data were analyzed using Template Analysis, and findings on the experiences of sexual difficulties are presented in this article. Sexual difficulties were contextualized within the couple relationship and could be detrimental to the relationship, particularly if the partner would not seek professional help. Participants reported that sexual difficulties could also have a negative impact on psychological well-being, described mainly as frustration, depression, and sadness. For some participants the supportive nature of their relationship buffered these impacts. Few had sought professional help; those who had reported helpful and unhelpful experiences. These findings add to the limited evidence base and have implications for health care in the context of global aging and a growing recognition of older adults' sexual rights.
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