Sexuality as women age

physical disability, or medical condition, human beings are sexual beings. Sexuality is a measure of overall health and quality of life throughout the lifespan. Physical intimacy does not diminish in importance as we grow older. Although it has been observed that the frequency of sexual encounters decreases with age,1,2 older persons report that sex takes on a deeper meaning when the hectic activities of careers and child-raising have slowed. Sexuality for older persons also encompasses new dimensions. Emotional closeness, hugging, snuggling, touch, massage, kissing, and oral sex may prove to be both as pleasurable and satisfying as sexual intercourse.3 Several large studies have confirmed the importance of continued sexual intimacy with aging. A recent review of data from the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) Modern Maturity Sexuality Survey1 led to the conclusion that the “expression of sexuality in later life is an interplay of mind, body, and social context.” In 2003, the Wisconsin Longitudinal Study4 mail survey tabulated the responses of 2,156 men and 1,955 women to questions regarding physical health, sexual functioning, psychological distress, and satisfaction with relationship. Results of the study demonstrated that sexual expression remains an important aspect of intimate relationships into the seventh decade of life.4 The National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project (NSHAP)2 used a survey to explore sexual practices in 3,005 adults in the United States who were aged 57 to 85 years and who were sexually active (defined as “any mutually voluntary activity with another person that involves sexual contact, whether or not intercourse or orgasm occurs”). Results, published in 2007 in the New England Journal of Medicine, confirmed that aging is associated with progressively less sexual activity, which was lowest in the oldest cohort (age 75 years).2 Yet even in this group of noncelibate elders, 54% of respondents reported having sexual contact at least two or three times Katherine E. Galluzzi, DO, CMD