Sexuality in the second half of the life span

Compared to other research areas of sexology, the state of knowledge regard ing sexual behavior and experiences in middle and older age is rather poor. This is due to not only the continuing taboo placed on questions regarding sexuality of elderly people, but also to limited understanding of factors influencing the sexual realm. The present review presents findings on sexua lity in the second half of the life span from a number of differing discipl inary perspectives. Focus is on gender differences in sexual life and the i nfluence of critical life events on sexuality in women in the second half o f the life span. Apart from restrictive social norms and individual persona lity factors, physiological changes during the menopause can also have an e ffect on sexuality. The special situation of elderly women without partners and changes in partnership sexuality during this phase of the life span ar e discussed. Some recommendations for the field of gynecology are derived f rom a multidisciplinary approach. Copyright (R) 2000 S. Karger AG, Basel.