Predictors of Quality of life, Sexual Intercourse, and Sexual Satisfaction among Active older Adults

Background: Relatively little is known about the sexual behaviors of older people, and the relationship between quality of life and sexuality has not been fully explored. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of sociological, cultural, and psychological factors to further explain variance beyond biological changes that influence participation in sexual intercourse, sexual satisfaction, and overall quality of life. Methods: Data were collected using a mixed-mode approach to optimize participant response and coverage. Residents of a large active retirement community served as the study participants. Results: Logistic regression identified a set of biopsychosocial variables which significantly distinguished between those who participate and do not participate in sexual intercourse. Multiple regression procedures identified sets of variables that significantly predicted sexual satisfaction and quality of life. Discussion: Overall findings add to the existing body of literature on aging, sexual health, and quality of life. Translation to Health Education Practice: Health professionals should develop interventions that provide education about sexuality to enhance sexual satisfaction and quality of life among community dwelling older adults. Penhollow TM, Young M, Denny G. Predictors of quality of life, sexual intercourse, and sexual satisfaction among active older adults. Am J Health Educ. 2009;40(1):14-22. This paper was submitted to the Journal on May 3, 2008, revised and accepted for publication on July 23, 2008. Research Article