Older Adults’ Coping Strategies With Changes in Sexual Functioning: Results From Qualitative Research

Introduction: Research has consistently documented changes in sexual functioning as people age. Aim: To examine the ways older men and women cope with changes in sexual functioning. Methods: In-depth interviews with 47 Israelis over the age of 60 were conducted and analyzed thematically. Main Outcome Measure: The main outcomes of interest in this study were the coping strategies employed by older men and women to address changes in their sexuality. Results: 7 coping strategies that were differentially employed by men and women were identified. These strategies were classified along a continuum of internal (involving only the person being affected by the change) vs external (involving others) strategies. External strategies involved other people and services, such as a primary care provider or a counselor, whereas internal strategies were confined to intrapsychic experiences, such as an acceptance of the fact that sex was no longer part of life. Other strategies, such as sexual fantasies about having an affair or the use of pornography to stimulate desire, were classified along the 2 poles. Most individuals used >1 strategy. Differences by gender are noted. Clinical Implications: The techniques identified reflect to some degree the medicalization and marketization of sexuality among older adults, but potentially also allude to somewhat more liberal views of sexuality in contemporary society. Strength & Limitations: The subjective nature of this study and the open-ended perspective employed in the analysis allow for better appreciation of the coping strategies used by older adults. There is potentially a selection bias with those individuals who feel more comfortable discussing sexuality, participating in the study, and others refraining from such a discussion. Conclusion: The older adults interviewed in this study tended to equate sexual functioning with sexual intercourse. Ayalon L, Gewirtz-Meydan A, Levkovich I. Older Adults’ Coping Strategies With Changes in Sexual Functioning: Results From Qualitative Research. J Sex Med 2019;16:52–60.