Perceived Facilitators and Barriers to Intimate Relationships in Persons 65 and Older
Advisor Information
Jason Coleman
Location
UNO Criss Library, Room 231
Presentation Type
Oral Presentation
Start Date
7-3-2014 10:00 AM
End Date
7-3-2014 10:15 AM
Abstract
In 2011, the first members of the Baby Boomer generation turned 65 years old. Despite the increasing numbers of this population, little research has been conducted with these individuals, especially concerning interpersonal and intimate relationships. Research shows the association between healthy sexual functioning and good physical and mental health (DeLamater, 2012). This study is significant as there is limited research regarding senior sexuality; especially from the perspectives of the elderly themselves. The purpose of this research study was to examine intimate relationships and sexuality of persons ages 65 and older from the perspectives of the participants themselves. Participants were interviewed and all interviews were audio-recorded. Transcripts were uploaded, verbatim, into NVivo™ software for analysis of emergent themes. Data was coded using open coding, followed by focused coding to identify themes and categories. Participant recruitment was a major challenge and delayed data collection. Thus, data analysis is currently on-going. During the interviews, domains that were discussed included: past and current attitudes regarding sexuality and intimate relationships, barriers to intimate relationships, accessibility to knowledgeable medical and other health service providers regarding sexual health, and facilitators to engaging in intimate relationships. Due to the increasing numbers of individuals within this age range, it is important to understand better the sexual functioning and dynamics of intimate relationships. Results from this study provide insight into the sexual health and attitudes, interpersonal relationships, and communication with medical providers and may be used to develop programs to enhance their quality of life.
Perceived Facilitators and Barriers to Intimate Relationships in Persons 65 and Older
UNO Criss Library, Room 231
In 2011, the first members of the Baby Boomer generation turned 65 years old. Despite the increasing numbers of this population, little research has been conducted with these individuals, especially concerning interpersonal and intimate relationships. Research shows the association between healthy sexual functioning and good physical and mental health (DeLamater, 2012). This study is significant as there is limited research regarding senior sexuality; especially from the perspectives of the elderly themselves. The purpose of this research study was to examine intimate relationships and sexuality of persons ages 65 and older from the perspectives of the participants themselves. Participants were interviewed and all interviews were audio-recorded. Transcripts were uploaded, verbatim, into NVivo™ software for analysis of emergent themes. Data was coded using open coding, followed by focused coding to identify themes and categories. Participant recruitment was a major challenge and delayed data collection. Thus, data analysis is currently on-going. During the interviews, domains that were discussed included: past and current attitudes regarding sexuality and intimate relationships, barriers to intimate relationships, accessibility to knowledgeable medical and other health service providers regarding sexual health, and facilitators to engaging in intimate relationships. Due to the increasing numbers of individuals within this age range, it is important to understand better the sexual functioning and dynamics of intimate relationships. Results from this study provide insight into the sexual health and attitudes, interpersonal relationships, and communication with medical providers and may be used to develop programs to enhance their quality of life.