Life may not begin after 60 : Sexuality in women after the age of 60

Abstract

Background: Aging has a powerful impact on the quality of life in general and probably on sexual functioning. \nAim: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of aging on various aspects of female sexuality.Patients and Methods: One hundred and fifty women aged 60 years or older were included in this study. They were all married and free from diseases interfering with sexual activity. The tool used was a self-report questionnaire that included 29 items designed by the investigators. The privacy and anonymity of participants were ensured.Results: Coital frequency decreased with aging; 64.3% of women aged 70–74 years reported no coitus compared with 16.7% of women aged 60–64 years. The frequency of spontaneous sexual desire also decreased with aging; 40% of women aged 70–74 years reported that spontaneous sexual desire has become rare or almost never occurs compared with14.7% of women aged 60–64 years. With aging, lubrication became difficult; 60% of women aged 70–74 years find difficulty in lubrication in more than 50% of sexual encounters compared with25% of women aged 65–69 years and 26.7% of women aged 60–64 years. Dyspareunia and anorgasmia were reported by 100% of women aged 70–74 years.Conclusion: All aspects related to sexual activity declined with aging. Dyspareunia and inability to orgasm are the main complaints in older women.