Sexually active life expectancy

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Sexually active life expectancy is the average number of years remaining for a person to be sexually active. This population-based indicator extends the concept of health expectancy to the measure of sexuality (via sexual activity). Calculation of sexually active life expectancy uses the age-specific prevalence data on sexual activity in conjunction with life table data on survival probabilities to partition the number of person-years into years with and without sexual activity, which is based on the Sullivan method. [1] The Sullivan method's objective is to understand the change of health in a given population over time. [2]

Contents

Studies

The measure of sexually active life expectancy was introduced by Lindau and Gavrilova. [3] [4] [5] Through their study of two cohorts, researchers Lindau and Gavrilova found that sexual activity, a good quality sex life, and interest in sex were associated with self rated health in a positive way. [6] Their research focused on midlife and later life health. This included ages 27 to 74 years and 57 to 85 years. In their findings, they concluded that a gender difference was present with increasing age. Evidence proved that men were more likely than women to be engaging in sexual activity. Men were also more likely to report that they were even interested in having sex and that they were having good quality sex. In addition, the research demonstrated that only 51.8% of women in a later stage of life reported being satisfied by their sexual life compared to 71.1% of men. [7] Furthermore, their research showed that men in good or excellent health participated in regular sexual activity lived an extra five to seven years, and women in substantially good health lived three to six years longer. Even though the gender gap is evident, the research provides a clear association between health and sexual activity.

A study of two large population-based U.S. surveys found that, on average, women expect fewer years of sexual activity, mainly due to prevalent widowhood among older women. This gender disparity is attenuated for people with a spouse or other intimate partner. The study also found that men tend to lose more years of sexually active life due to poor health. [5]

Sexually active life expectancy is associated with self-reports of good health in both men and women. Sexuality has been identified as an important attribute to overall health and a marker of quality of life. Sexual desire has also been attributed to good health, good sexual functioning, positive sexual self-esteem, and a skillful partner. [8] Physicians may find that sexually active life expectancy can be used as an incentive for patients to become (and stay) healthy. [5] Institutional settings such as residential care facilities should focus on offering an accepting environment for sexually active older people.

Barriers preventing sex

Although some people generalize that older adults do not participate in sex often, research shows that many older people enjoy participating in a variety of sexual activities. Barriers, both physically and mentally, is an important factor that influences older adults' sexual activities. These barriers can be seen at the individual, societal, and structural level. Some barriers include: lack of privacy, availability of sexual partner, mental health, and the impact of prescriptions on sexual desires. [9]

Age-related factors can be identified through the decline of health. This can include declining fitness and mobility levels. Biological changes, such as menopause for women, can cause an unpleasant experience during sex. This can include painful intercourse and a lack of sex drive, however, many women have reported that not having to worry about becoming pregnant made them enjoy sexual activity more. The presence of diseases such as arthritis, can also greatly affect a person's sexual activities, however, this is evident for any age range. [10] Factors such as a decrease in self esteem, confidence, and cognitive function can prohibit an older person from participating in sex or romantic partnerships. [11] Having to live in an assisted living home has also created a physical behavior. People are less likely to have the privacy that they want when they are surrounded by other elderly people and nurses. [9]

Intimate relationships within institutional settings (residential care)

Despite the known benefits of continued sexual activity on physical, mental, and emotional health, nursing home residents often face barriers to sexual expression. These barriers rob them of fundamental aspects of self-worth, emphasizing the need for societal and institutional changes to support the sexual rights of the elderly. [12] A study conducted in Wisconsin nursing homes found that elderly residents believe sexual activity is appropriate for their peers but often do not engage in it themselves, mainly due to lack of opportunity. This study also highlighted the reluctance of medical and behavioral personnel to discuss the topic, indicating a need for more open and supportive environments. [13]

One of the main reasons residential homes do not care to facilitate intimate relationships is because employees may have a hard time distinguishing a desired sexual partnership from an undesired one. The residential care faces possible issues if a resident is being taken advantage of, especially if they are physically or mentally incapable to protect themselves. Facilities usually have a safeguarding and protection policy which monitors any relationship to prevent abuse. [14]

Addressing inappropriate sexual behaviors in nursing homes can be challenging for staff. Strategies for managing such behaviors include improving privacy, educating staff, allowing conjugal or home visits, and assessing the decision-making capacity of cognitively impaired residents. Physicians can play a key role in removing barriers to sexual expression. [15]


Related Research Articles

In psychology, libido is psychic drive or energy, usually conceived as sexual in nature, but sometimes conceived as including other forms of desire. The term libido was originally used by the neurologist and pioneering psychoanalyst Sigmund Freud who began by employing it simply to denote sexual desire. Over time it came to signify the psychic energy of the sexual drive, and became a vital concept in psychoanalytic theory. Freud's later conception was broadened to include the fundamental energy of all expressions of love, pleasure, and self-preservation.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sexual intercourse</span> Penetrative sexual activity for reproduction or sexual pleasure

Sexual intercourse is a sexual activity typically involving the insertion and thrusting of the male penis inside the female vagina for sexual pleasure, reproduction, or both. This is also known as vaginal intercourse or vaginal sex. Sexual penetration has been known by humans since the dawn of time, and has been an instinctive form of sexual behaviour and psychology among humans. Other forms of penetrative sexual intercourse include anal sex, oral sex, fingering and penetration by use of a dildo, and vibrators. These activities involve physical intimacy between two or more people and are usually used among humans solely for physical or emotional pleasure. They can contribute to human bonding.

Sexual desire is an emotion and motivational state characterized by an interest in sexual objects or activities, or by a drive to seek out sexual objects or to engage in sexual activities. It is an aspect of sexuality, which varies significantly from one person to another and also fluctuates depending on circumstances.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Child sexuality</span> Sexuality of children

Sexual behaviors in children are common and may range from normal and developmentally appropriate to abusive. These behaviors may include self-stimulation, interest in sex, curiosity towards sex and the opposite gender, exhibitionism, voyeurism, gender role behaviors and engagement in interpersonal sexual acts.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Premarital sex</span> Sexual activity before marriage

Premarital sex is sexual activity which is practiced by people before they are married. Premarital sex is considered a sin by a number of religions and also considered a moral issue which is taboo in many cultures. Since the Sexual Revolution of the 1960s, it has become accepted by certain liberal movements, especially in Western countries. A 2014 Pew study on global morality found that premarital sex was considered particularly unacceptable in "Muslim Majority Countries", such as Malaysia, Jordan and Pakistan, each having over 90% disapproval, while people in Western European countries were the most accepting, with Spain, Germany, and France expressing less than 10% disapproval.

Sex therapy is a therapeutic strategy for the improvement of sexual function and treatment of sexual dysfunction. This includes dysfunctions such as premature ejaculation and delayed ejaculation, erectile dysfunction, lack of sexual interest or arousal, and painful sex ; as well as problems imposed by atypical sexual interests (paraphilias), gender dysphoria, highly overactive libido or hypersexuality, a lack of sexual confidence, and recovering from sexual abuse ; and also includes sexual issues related to aging, illness, or disability.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sexuality in older age</span> Aspect of senescence

Sexuality in older age concerns the sexual drive, sexual activity, interests, orientation, intimacy, self-esteem, behaviors, and overall sexuality of people in middle age and old age, and the social perceptions concerning sexuality in older age. Older people engage in a variety of sexual acts from time to time for a variety of reasons. Desire for intimacy does not disappear with age, yet there are many restrictions placed on the elderly preventing sexual expressions and discouraging the fulfillment of sexual needs. Sexuality in older age is often considered a taboo, yet it is considered to be quite a healthy practice; however, this stigma can affect how older individuals experience their sexuality. While the human body has some limits on the maximum age for reproduction, sexual activity can be performed or experienced well into the later years of life.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Oral sex</span> Sexual activity involving stimulation of the genitalia by use of the mouth

Oral sex, sometimes referred to as oral intercourse, is sexual activity involving the stimulation of the genitalia of a person by another person using the mouth. Cunnilingus is oral sex performed on the vulva while fellatio is oral sex performed on the penis. Anilingus, another form of oral sex, is oral stimulation of the anus.

Lesbian bed death is the concept that lesbian couples in committed relationships have less sex than any other type of couple the longer the relationship lasts, and generally experience less sexual intimacy as a consequence. It may also be defined as a drop-off in sexual activity that occurs two years into a long-term lesbian relationship.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Women who have sex with women</span> Sexual identity-neutral term

Women who have sex with women (WSW) are women who engage in sexual activities with women, whether they identify as straight, lesbian, bisexual, pansexual, have other sexualities, or dispense with sexual identification altogether. The term WSW is often used in medical literature to describe such women as a group for clinical study, without needing to consider sexual self-identity.

Adolescent sexuality is a stage of human development in which adolescents experience and explore sexual feelings. Interest in sexuality intensifies during the onset of puberty, and sexuality is often a vital aspect of teenagers' lives. Sexual interest may be expressed in a number of ways, such as flirting, kissing, masturbation, or having sex with a partner. Sexual interest among adolescents, as among adults, can vary greatly, and is influenced by cultural norms and mores, sex education, as well as comprehensive sexuality education provided, sexual orientation, and social controls such as age-of-consent laws.

The sexuality of US adolescents includes their feelings, behaviors and development, and the place adolescent sexuality has in American society, including the response of the government, educators, parents, and other interested groups.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Situational sexual behavior</span> Sexual behavior that differs from that which the person normally exhibits

Situational sexual behavior is a type of sexual behavior which differs from that which the person normally exhibits, due to a social environment that in some way permits, encourages, or compels the behavior in question. This can include situations where a person's preferred sexual behavior may not be possible, so rather than refraining from sexual activity completely, they may engage in substitute sexual behaviors.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sexual practices between women</span> Sexual activity between women

Sexual activities involving women who have sex with women (WSW), regardless of their sexual orientation or sexual identity, can include oral sex, manual sex, or tribadism.

Human sexuality is the way people experience and express themselves sexually. This involves biological, psychological, physical, erotic, emotional, social, or spiritual feelings and behaviors. Because it is a broad term, which has varied with historical contexts over time, it lacks a precise definition. The biological and physical aspects of sexuality largely concern the human reproductive functions, including the human sexual response cycle.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Effects of pornography</span> Influence of pornography on an individual and their intimate relationships

Pornography has been defined as any material in varying forms, including texts, video, photos or audio that is consumed for sexual satisfaction and arousal of an individual or partnership. The effects of pornography on individuals or their intimate relationships have been a subject of research.

Sexual desire discrepancy (SDD) is the difference between one's desired frequency of sexual intercourse and the actual frequency of sexual intercourse within a relationship. Among couples seeking sex therapy, problems of sexual desire are the most commonly reported dysfunctions, yet have historically been the most difficult to treat successfully. Sexual satisfaction in a relationship has a direct relationship with overall relationship satisfaction and relationship well-being. Sexual desire and sexual frequency do not stem from the same domains, sexual desire characterizes an underlying aspect of sexual motivation and is associated with romantic feelings while actual sexual activity and intercourse is associated with the development and advancement of a given relationship. Thus together, sexual desire and sexual frequency can successfully predict the stability of a relationship. While higher individual sexual desire discrepancies among married individuals may undermine overall relationship well-being, higher SDD scores for females may be beneficial for romantic relationships, because those females have high levels of passionate love and attachment to their partner. Studies suggest that women with higher levels of desire relative to that of their partners' may experience fewer relationship adjustment problems than women with lower levels of desire relative to their partners'. Empirical evidence has shown that sexual desire is a factor that heavily influences couple satisfaction and relationship continuity which has been one of the main reasons for the interest in this research domain of human sexuality.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sexual script theory</span> Theory in sociology

Sexual script theory states that all social behavior, including sexual behavior, is socially scripted. The theory was introduced by sociologists John H. Gagnon and William Simon in their 1973 book Sexual Conduct. Its basic principle states that all social behavior, including sexual behavior, is socially scripted. Furthermore, it is the approved norms abouthow individuals in a relationship may embrace one another, embody, and react to each other via the process of socialization. The idea is that sexual scripts are guidelines for appropriate sexual behavior and sexual encounters. Sexual behavior and encounters become behavior that is learned as well as instinctive. Each partner in consensual encounters acts as if they are an actor in a play or film following a script, rather than acting on impulse alone. Therefore people in a relationship may draw upon this idea when thinking about their own sexual experiences or when participating in sexual acts themselves.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Human female sexuality</span> Physiology, identity and behavior

Human female sexuality encompasses a broad range of behaviors and processes, including female sexual identity and sexual behavior, the physiological, psychological, social, cultural, political, and spiritual or religious aspects of sexual activity. Various aspects and dimensions of female sexuality, as a part of human sexuality, have also been addressed by principles of ethics, morality, and theology. In almost any historical era and culture, the arts, including literary and visual arts, as well as popular culture, present a substantial portion of a given society's views on human sexuality, which includes both implicit (covert) and explicit (overt) aspects and manifestations of feminine sexuality and behavior.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sexuality and disability</span>

Sexuality and disability is a topic regarding the sexual behavior and practices of people with disabilities. Like the general population, these individuals exhibit a wide range of sexual desires and adopt diverse methods of expressing their sexuality. It is a widespread concern, however, that many people with disabilities do not receive comprehensive sex education, which could otherwise positively contribute to their sexual lives. This roots from the idea that people with disabilities are asexual in nature and are not sexually active. Although some people with disabilities identify as asexual, generalizing this label to all such individuals is a misconception. Many people with disabilities lack rights and privileges that would enable them to have intimacy and relationships. When it comes to sexuality and disability there is a sexual discourse that surrounds it. The intersection of sexuality and disability is often associated with victimization, abuse, and purity.

References

  1. ↑ Sullivan, D.F. (1971). "A single index of mortality and morbidity". HSMHA Health Reports . 86 (4): 347–354. doi:10.2307/4594169. JSTOR   4594169. PMC   1937122 . PMID   5554262.
  2. ↑ Sullivan, D.F. (1971). "A single index of mortality and Morbidity". HSMHA Health Reports. 86 (4): 347–354. doi:10.2307/4594169. JSTOR   4594169. PMC   1937122 . PMID   5554262.
  3. ↑ Gavrilova, N.; Lindau, S.T. (2007). "An overlooked aspect of women's health" (PDF). Proceedings of the 19th REVES Meeting. St.Petersburg, Florida. Archived (PDF) from the original on 2022-10-01. Retrieved 2024-03-19.
  4. ↑ Lindau, S.T.; Gavrilova, N. (2008). "Population gender differences in the effects of obesity on later life sexuality and sexually active life expectancy". Gerontologist. 48: 130.
  5. 1 2 3 Lindau, S.T.; Gavrilova, N. (2010). "Sex, health, and years of sexually active life gained due to good health: evidence from two US population based cross sectional surveys of ageing". British Medical Journal . 340: c810. doi:10.1136/bmj.c850. PMC   2835854 . PMID   20215365.
  6. ↑ Stacy Tessler Lindau; Gavrilova, Natalia (2010). "Sex, health, and years of sexually active life gained due to good health: evidence from two US population based cross sectional surveys of ageing". British Medical Journal. 340 (7746): 580 Journals.
  7. ↑ [Lindau, S. T., & Gavrilova, N. (2010). Sex, health, and years of sexually active life gained due to good health: evidence from two US population based cross sectional surveys of ageing. BMJ, 340, c810.]
  8. ↑ Kontula, Osmo; Haavio-Mannila, Elina (2009). "The Impact of Aging on Human Sexual Activity and Sexual Desire". Journal of Sex Research . 46 (1): 46–56. doi:10.1080/00224490802624414. PMID   19090411. S2CID   3161449.
  9. 1 2 Bouman, Walter Pierre; Kleinplatz, Peggy J (2015). "Moving towards understanding greater diversity and fluidity of sexual expression of older people". Sexual & Relationship Therapy . 30 (1): 1–3. doi:10.1080/14681994.2015.990192. S2CID   144055536.
  10. ↑ Hillman, Jennifer (2008). "Sexual issues and aging within the context of work with older adult patients". Professional Psychology: Research and Practice . 39 (3): 290–297. CiteSeerX   10.1.1.487.4464 . doi:10.1037/0735-7028.39.3.290.
  11. ↑ Bauer, Michael; Haesler, Emily; Fetherstonhaugh, Deirdre (September 3, 2015). "Let's talk about sex: older people's views on the recognition of sexuality and sexual health in the health-care setting". Health Expectations. 19 (6): 1237–1250. doi:10.1111/hex.12418. PMC   6456814 . PMID   26448550.
  12. ↑ Hajjar, Ramzi R; Kamel, Hosam K (August 2003). "Sex and the nursing home". Clinics in Geriatric Medicine. 19 (3): 575–586. doi:10.1016/s0749-0690(02)00099-x. ISSN   0749-0690. PMID   14567009. Archived from the original on 2024-03-19. Retrieved 2024-03-19.
  13. ↑ Wasow, Mona; Loeb, Martin B. (February 1979). "Sexuality in Nursing Homes". Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. 27 (2): 73–79. doi:10.1111/j.1532-5415.1979.tb03344.x. ISSN   0002-8614. PMID   762368. Archived from the original on 2024-03-19. Retrieved 2024-03-19.
  14. ↑ Williams, J (2015). "Intimate Relationships between older people in institutional settings: Ageism, protection or fear?". Ethics, Medicine and Public Health. 1 (2): 194–202. doi:10.1016/j.jemep.2015.03.010. hdl: 2160/42563 . Archived from the original on 2024-03-19. Retrieved 2024-03-19.
  15. ↑ Kamel, Hosam K.; Hajjar, Ramzi R. (March 2004). "Sexuality in the Nursing Home, Part 2: Managing Abnormal Behavior—Legal and Ethical Issues". Journal of the American Medical Directors Association. 5 (2): S49–S52. doi:10.1016/s1525-8610(04)70094-8. ISSN   1525-8610. Archived from the original on 2024-03-19. Retrieved 2024-03-19.

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