Sexuality, Sensuality and Intimacy

Abstract

The study of aging encompasses three types of temporal trend: secular transitions in culture, cohort differences and age changes. This article examines these trends with respect to sexuality, sensuality, intimacy and love. Transitions in Western and other cultures over the past six decades include a weakening of opposition toward (1) sexual activity outside of traditionally sanctioned partnership structures, (2) sexual activity in later life, and (3) sexual preferences and practices outside of a heterosexual paradigm. Sexual activity in later life shows decline in both cohort difference and age change trends in frequencies on sexual (e.g., intercourse), sensual (e.g., kissing, hugging), cognitive (e.g., sexual thoughts) and emotive (e.g., sexual desires) measures. The main reasons in women include lack of a partner and declining sexual interest. The main reasons in men include sexual functioning problems and poor health. The article also discusses issues of sexuality in long-term care homes, sexual orientation, and gender identity.