THE ASEXUAL OLDER PERSON - AUSTRALIAN EVIDENCE

This study, the first of its kind in Australia, examines the sexual ac tivity and interest of older people. The sample consists of 844 older people (mean age = 73.1) who were randomly selected and returned a sel f-completion questionnaire as part of the Health Status of Older Peopl e Project. The results confirm that sexual interest and sexual activit y is of concern and of importance to older Australians. The data also challenge the view that older people are unwilling or unable to report on their sexuality, with an item response rate of between 77% and 90% on the questions on sexuality. Gender was significantly associated wi th number of sexual partners, perceived importance of sex, changes in sexual activity and interest and currently in a sexual relationship. A ge and the marital status of respondents were also associated with a n umber of these dependent variables. However, spiritual belief was only significantly associated with number of sexual partners, and self-rep orted health and ethnicity were not associated with any of these varia bles. The paper highlights the importance of challenging some prevalen t stereotypes surrounding the 'asexual' older person and raises the im portance of sensitising society to the needs of older people.