Author: Baylor University
Published: 16th Feb 2015
Peer-Reviewed Publication: N/A
Additional References: LGBTQ+ Seniors Publications
Summary: Researchers analyzed the relationship between marital characteristics and sexual outcomes among 1,656 married adults ages 57-85.
While people in the early years of marriage have sex more frequently, and their sexual activity tapers off over time, a slight rebound occurs for those whose marriages endure longer than half a century, according to new research.
The study also found that people who remain in their first marriages have sex more frequently than those who remarry. But frequency aside, marriage order made no difference when it came to actual physical pleasure and emotional satisfaction, said researchers from Louisiana State University, Florida State University and Baylor University.
Their study - "Marital Characteristics and the Sexual Relationships of U.S. Older Adults: An Analysis of National Social Life, Health and Aging Project Data" - is published in the journal Archives of Sexual Behavior, the official publication of the International Academy of Sex Research.
Researchers analyzed the relationship between marital characteristics and sexual outcomes among 1,656 married adults ages 57-85, using data from the first wave of the National Social Life, Health and Aging Project. They noted that people who survive until their 50th year of marriage - among whom the slight rebound occurred - are relatively few in number.
"Additionally, the study used a snapshot in time - and therefore cannot prove that length and order of marriage caused sexual frequency," said former Baylor researcher Samuel Stroope, Ph.D., now an assistant professor of sociology at Louisiana State University.
Nevertheless, the study provided "intriguing results" for one of the fastest growing age groups in the United States - and one whose sexual behavior rarely has been studied, he said.
One uncertainty that could be the subject of future research is the "why" of the findings.
While sex becomes less of a novelty over time and frequency tends to diminish, "it may be that the permanency of the relationship contributes to sexual relations picking up a bit at the end," Stroope said.
"Growing old as a couple, with the experience and knowledge that come with that, may play a part," he said. "You are able to learn about your partner and build on that over time. You may have a higher level of trust when you feel that your spouse isn't going to go anywhere. The expectation that the relationship will continue may give you more reason to invest in the relationship - including in sexual aspects of the relationship."
As to why "remarrieds" have less frequent sex than those in first marriages, "it may be that those who have been married in the past may not have as strong of a sense of permanence or lasting investment," Stroope said.
Michael McFarland, Ph.D., assistant professor of sociology and public health at Florida State University, was a study co-author. Researcher Jeremy Uecker, Ph.D., an assistant professor of sociology at Baylor and also a co-author, noted that "we know a great deal about sexual behavior at younger stages of the life course. This study adds to a small but growing body of research on the sexual behavior of older adults."
Added Stroope: "As people age, they tend to be more even-keeled, which may help cut down on marital conflict and facilitate regular sexual activity into advanced age."
The findings may surprise some in a society in which youth is the ideal and older adults are often subjected to ageism, researchers say. Despite stereotypes, the study joins other research in revealing that regular sexual activity remains a part of many older adults' lives - even with declining health and the death of a spouse on the horizon.
Post to Twitter Add to Facebook
Latest LGBTQ+ Seniors Publications | |
---|---|
The above information is from our reference library of resources relating to LGBTQ+ Seniors that includes: | |
![]() | Aging Neutralizes Sex Differences in the Brain Aging implies reduced amounts of resources are available for reproduction and other activities for both sexes, but competition between males means the cost of increased investment is more significant than for females. Publish Date: 10th Aug 2022 - Updated: 5th Jan 2023 |
![]() | Senior LGB Suffer More Chronic Health Conditions than Heterosexual Women Study shows lesbian and bisexual older women more likely than heterosexual older women to suffer chronic health conditions, experience sleep problems and drink excessively. Publish Date: 24th Aug 2017 |
![]() | Married LGBT Seniors are Healthier and Happier Than Singles Research finds married LGBT study participants report better physical and mental health, more social support and greater financial resources than singles. Publish Date: 1st May 2017 |
![]() | New Findings Reveal Health and Aging Experiences of U.S. Senior LGBT Research revealed LGBT older adults are both resilient and at-risk, with higher rates of disability, cardiovascular disease, depression and social isolation. Publish Date: 13th Feb 2017 |
1Local Dating for Adults
Find like minded people locally.
2Am I Gay? Questions to Ask
Think you may be gay or bisexual?
3Glossary of Sexuality Terms
Definitions of sexual terms & acronyms.
4LGBTQ+ Pride Flags
Symbols of Identity and Inclusion.
5LGBT Awareness Dates
Important LGBTQ community awareness days, remembrance dates, and coming pride events.
• Submissions: Send us your coming events and LGBTQ related news stories.
• Report Errors: Please report outdated or inaccurate information to us.
• (APA): Baylor University. (2015, February 16). Sexual Frequency in Seniors. SexualDiversity.org. Retrieved April 27, 2025 from www.sexualdiversity.org/sexuality/seniors/415.php
• Permalink: <a href="https://www.sexualdiversity.org/sexuality/seniors/415.php">Sexual Frequency in Seniors</a>