Sexual activity, sexual thoughts, and intimacy among older adults: Links with physical health and psychosocial resources for successful aging.

摘要: Research on close relationships in later life has received increased attention over the past decade. However, little is known about sexuality and intimacy old age. Using cross-sectional data from Berlin Aging Study II (BASE-II; Mage = 68 years, SD 3.68; 50% women; N 1,514), we examine age differences behavioral (sexual activity), cognitive thoughts), emotional (intimacy) facets of investigate associations with physical health psychosocial resources for successful aging. Older was associated less sexual activity fewer thoughts, but not intimacy. Relative to a reference sample 22- 36-year-olds within BASE-II (N 475), average older adult reported considerably thoughts (ds > .60), only slightly lower (d .20). Substantial heterogeneity existed among adults, almost one third 60- 82-year-olds reporting more than younger adult. Examining correlates adults revealed that, covarying diagnosed illnesses performance-based grip strength, factors (e.g., partnered, relationship satisfaction) accounted considerable shares variance intimacy, whereas gender explained thoughts. Some exhibited similar-sized all facets, other operated facet-specific ways. To illustrate, participants loneliness also We discuss implications our findings theories (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, rights reserved).