Sexual well‑being across the lifespan: Is sexual satisfaction related to adjustment to aging?

Abstract

Introduction: Sexual satisfaction is relevant to aging well, throughout the lifespan. This study aims to compare the perspectives of sexual satisfaction and adjustment to aging (AtA) in three age cohorts across the lifespan and to analyze whether sexual satisfaction influences the perceptions of AtA. Methods: This cross-sectional study comprised 619 participants from three different age cohorts (18–44, 45–64, and 65 + years). Three measures were used to meet the defined objectives: (a) Adjustment to Aging Scale (ATAS), (b) New Sexual Satisfaction Scale (NSSS-S), and (c) sociodemographic, health, and lifestyle questionnaire. Data were subject to MANOVAs and hierarchical regression analyses. Results: Social support emerged as the most relevant dimension in the multifactorial nature of AtA. Generational differences were found in sense of purpose and ambitions [F (2, 616) = 14.203, p < .001], zest and spirituality [F (2, 616) = 3.175, p = .042], body and health [F (2, 616) = 8.732, p < .001], and social support [F (2, 616) = 10.646, p < .001], with participants aged 65 and older showing significantly lower levels in all dimensions. Younger participants showed the highest score for body and health. Age-related decreases in sexual satisfaction were also found, as younger participants showed statistically higher levels of sexual satisfaction, followed by middle-aged and older participants. Sexual satisfaction predicts all the dimensions of AtA, exception made for aging in place and stability. Ego-centered sexual satisfaction positively predicted sense of purpose and ambitions (β = .225, p = .015) and social support (β = .297, p < .001), while partner/sexual activity–centered sexual satisfaction was a positive predictor of zest and spirituality (β = .243, p = .010) and body and health (β = .243, p = .008). Conclusions: Sexual satisfaction decreases with age and is positively related to dimensions of AtA. Sexual satisfaction is a relevant variable for effective approaches to promoting healthy aging and overall well-being among (older) adults. Policy Implications: Gerontological program policies and interventions with older people would strongly benefit of including sexual satisfaction as a relevant variable for aging well along the lifespan.