Factors predicting sexual relationships in older people: an Australian study

Objectives: Sexuality in later life is now recognised to be an important issue. The present study identified the factors that predict sexual relationships and changes in sexual activity in a sample of 844 older persons living in Melbourne, Australia, who returned a self-completed questionnaire. Method: The variables included in the two models that predicted sexual relationship status and changes in sexual activity were: sex, age, marital status, general health, incontinence, satisfaction with physical condition, knowledge of sexual issues, change in sexual interest, perceptions of sex as an important factor in general well-being, and number of sexual partners. Results and Conclusion: Logistic regression analysis revealed that the variables used in the model produced correct prediction rates for 84% of respondents not in a sexual relationship, and 85% for those in a sexual relationship. Age, marital status, incontinence, satisfaction with physical condition, sexual knowledge, perceptions of sex as important to well-being, and number of sexual partners were significantly related to sexual relationship status. The present study discusses how these findings can further inform research and be used to inform our knowledge on sexuality in later life.