Sexual Behavior of Older Women

In Brief Background There are few reports describing sexual activity among women older than 50 years of age. Goal The goal of the study was to describe sexual practices and health behaviors of women aged 18–94 years, highlighting characteristics of older women (aged 60–94 years). Study Design The study involved a random-digit-dialing survey (N = 2000) of women aged 18–94 years living in the continental United States. Results Frequency and occurrence of sexual activity decreased with age. Married women in every age group were more likely to have engaged in recent sexual activity. Condom use decreased with age and lubricant use increased with age. Over one-third of all women reported douching in a typical month, and there was no trend with age. Conclusion Women in older age groups vary greatly in terms of sexual practices and health behaviors. A random-digit-dialing survey of 2000 women aged 18–94 years living in the continental United States revealed a decrease in frequency and occurrence of sexual activity with age. Condom use decreased and lubricant use increased with age. Douching was reported by a large proportion (32–43%) of sexually active women in every age group.