Sexual satisfaction among married women age 50 and older

Correlates of sexual satisfaction were identified in a sample of older marr ied women. A 70-item questionnaire was mailed to an age-stratified sample o f 5,000 married persons, including 1,000 married women over the age of 50. Usable questionnaires were received from 148 participants (14.8% return rat e). Hierarchical multiple regression analysis, using sexual satisfaction as the dependent variable, yield ed five predictor variables that accounted f or a significant portion of the variation in sexual satisfaction (Cumulativ e R-2 = .73). These results serve as a reminder that sexual interactions ca nnot be compartmentalized but must be considered within the context of the overall marriage relationship. Given the low return rate, interpretations s hould be limited until replication with an adequate sample has been complet ed.