Funcionamiento sexual en personas mayores: influencia de la edad y de factores psicosexuales

Abstract

ObjectiveTo examine the prevalence of changes in sexual functioning in both men and women older than 55 years. In addition, we analysed the effect of age, sexual assertiveness, sexual attitudes and partner violence on sexual functioning. Material and methodThere were 405 individuals (48.4% men and 51.6% women) with ages ranging from 55 to 80 years old, selected by a non-probabilistic sampling, who answered the validated Spanish versions of the MGH-SFQ, HISA, SOS, HISF and ISA assessment tools. ResultsSome difficulties in sexual functioning were reported by 39% of men and 58% of women. In men, age negatively predicted sexual functioning (β=−.29), while initiation sexual assertiveness (β=.26) and no shyness/refusal (β=.17) positively predicted it. In women, age was also negatively associated with sexual functioning (β=−.41). In addition, no shyness/refusal (β=.17), positive attitude towards sexual fantasies (β=.26), no physical partner violence (β=−.20) and the interaction between age and positive attitudes towards sexual fantasies (β=.21) were predictors of sexual functioning. ConclusionsWomen show a greater prevalence of sexual dysfunction; however, such problems are not necessarily linked to sexual dissatisfaction. Age, sexual assertiveness and sexual attitudes, along with psychological abuse in the case of women, are predictors of sexual functioning in elderly people.