Sexual Satisfaction in Long-Term Relationships of Middle-Aged and Older Adults: A Swiss National Study

Abstract

Sexual satisfaction is important for well-being over the life span and a main resource in intimate relationships. While these associations are well-established for younger adults, research regarding later life is limited. This study examined the association among sexual satisfaction, marital happiness, life satisfaction and subjective health in long-term relationships (at least 10 years) of individuals in middle and older age. Data stem from the Swiss National Centre of Competence in Research ‘LIVES IP212’, a longitudinal questionnaire study about relationships in later life. Participants were recruited using random quota sample, stratified by age and gender, supplied by the Swiss Federal Office of Statistics. The study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the University of Bern. The sample consists 343 women and 303 men aged 40–88 years (M = 63.32, SD = 12.45), married for an average of 35.57 years (SD = 13.63, range 10–66 years), who participated in the survey 2012 and 2016. Self-constructed items and validated instruments were used.