Factors Influencing Elders' Satisfaction with Sexual Life

노인 성생활 만족도와 영향요인

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore the sexual life and sexual life satisfaction of elderly people. Method: The participants were 181 elders over 65 years of age. Data were collected from February 10 to December 15, 2007 by interviews and questionnaires. Results: Of the respondents 17.1% still had sex in their lives but sexual satisfaction was less than that of middle-aged adults. Further, 31.8% of the elders reported no experience of sex over the past 10-19 years. The reasons for not having sex were 'no sexual partner' or 'no sexual desire'. Finally, 27.2% wanted to have a date. The main reason for dating was to relieve loneliness and the reason for not dating was 'good as it is', 'having date is shameful'. The level of satisfaction with sexual life was 2.71. Satisfaction with sexual life was higher for elders who had a spouse and for elders who still had sex. Conclusion: This study provides bases on the usefulness of various nursing intervention programs to enhance the quality of life through better understanding of the sexual life and sexual life satisfaction of elders.