Are associations between relationship satisfaction, emotional intimacy, and successful sexual aging gender-specific?

OBJECTIVES

Close relationships are central to well-being in later life, shaping both emotional and sexual experiences. Yet little is known about how relationship quality relates to successful sexual aging at the dyadic level, and whether these associations differ by gender. The recently developed Successful Sexual Aging (SSA) model involves acceptance of and adaptive adjustment to age-related changes and perceived opportunities for sexual expression. This study validated a 9-item measure of SSA (Successful Sexual Aging Scale; SSAS) in the dyadic context and addressed associations between relationship quality, operationalized as relationship satisfaction and emotional intimacy, and SSA in older couples.

METHODS

Data were collected from 355 heterosexual couples (average age: 66 for female and 69 for male partners). Most couples (93%) were married, with an average relationship duration of 39 years. Dyadic structural equation modeling with the Actor-Partner Interdependence Model approach was used, controlling for age.

RESULTS

Scalar dyadic measurement invariance of the SSAS was achieved, allowing for gender comparisons of latent SSA levels. Higher relationship quality was associated with greater acceptance of age-related sexual changes and better adaptive adjustment for both women and men. Furthermore, individuals whose partners reported higher relationship quality were characterized by better adaptation, indicating that SSA reflects not only personal but also interpersonal processes. No significant gender differences emerged.

DISCUSSION: Our findings contribute to the understanding of positive sexual aging, confirm the utility of the new SSA measure in dyadic studies, and highlight the importance of relationship quality for the processes that underlie the concept of SSA.