Chronic Disease Burden, Sexual Frequency, and Sexual Dysfunction in Partnered Older Adults

Abstract

This research evaluates the relationship between chronic disease burden and partnered sexuality of older adults by using data from the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project. Ordinary least squares and logistic regressions identify how chronic disease burden is associated with sexual frequency and sexual dysfunction for men (N = 893) and women (N = 641). Results indicate that an increasing chronic disease burden is negatively associated with men's sexual frequency, while a greater burden of chronic disease is related to a greater risk of lubrication problems for women and orgasm problems for men. The findings reveal gender differences in how disease is linked to older adults' sexual lives.