Issues of Sexuality in Older Women

Abstract

The aim of this exploratory research study was to investigate the attitudes of women over 60 toward sexuality and intimacy, to elicit which issues concerning sexuality and intimacy are important to them, and to gather their perceptions of how issues of sexuality and intimacy are addressed by the medical profession. Fourteen women aged 60–85 participated in three focus group interviews organized in Kingston, Ontario, Canada. We qualitatively measured recurring themes in attitudes about sexuality. Although they grew up in a generation when sex and sexuality were rarely discussed, these older women did not have any problem talking about sex, sexuality, and their attitudes towards these topics within the focus group setting. The participants felt on the whole, that sexuality is, and will continue to be, an important part of their lives. There was consensus that they would feel comfortable talking to their family doctor about their own or their partner's problems if asked but might not volunteer the information. Sex and sexuality are important issues to these older women. Male impotence is the most common problem that affects these older women's sex lives. They need more information about normal changes with aging that affect sexuality of older women and men. These women have rarely been afforded the opportunity to discuss sexuality with their physician. The small sample size of this pilot study provided useful information but is not definitive in its conclusions. Further research is needed to determine physician attitudes and practices concerning sex and sexuality in this age group.