Active sex life for older people in Chile: biological, psychological and social variables influencing engagement

Abstract

Introduction: Sexual activity in later life is increasingly being researched, but there is a gap in knowledge about the Global South, mainly Latin America. Objective: The objective of this article is to evaluate how biological, psychological and social factors influence active sex life in older Chilean people, using a gender-stratified analysis. Methodology: The study is based on secondary data analysis of the fifth National Survey of Quality of Life in Old Age, carried out in Chile in 2019 with a sample of 2,132 people aged 60 and over. Bivariate analysis was conducted to test the influence of biological, psychological and social variables on having an active sex life. Additionally, multiple hierarchal logistic regressions were carried out using a gender-stratified analysis to explore whether the independent variables predict active sex life. Results: Self-perceived health and chronic illness did not have predictive value regarding active sex life in older Chilean adults. However, partner health was a significant factor in predicting active sex life, particularly for women. People who reported being dissatisfied with life had 55 percent lower chance of having an active sex life than those who reported being very satisfied with life. Attitude towards sexuality, relationship status and education level were other variables that predicted an active sex life for older adults in Chile. Still, there were significant gender differences in the results. Conclusion: Interpersonal, psychological and social factors are more relevant than biological factors (except for age) when predicting sexual activity for older Chileans, and gender differences are central when analysing sexual activity.