SEXUALITY AND AGING: SEXUAL CAPACITY IN MEN AND WOMEN
In summarizing age-related changes in sexual capacity, Masters and Johnson state that “there is no question of the fact that the human male’s sexual responsiveness wanes as he ages.” The variables affecting this change are both physiological and psychosocial. This is also true for females, who Masters and Johnson contend, have no time limit with regard to sexuality. With the obvious exception of reproduction per se, age-related changes in sexual capacity are not as severe for females as for males. The components of female sexual behavior are not as “obvious,” and female sexuality has traditionally not been as “performance-oriented” as has male sexuality. For example, the inability of a male to achieve a rapid erection is an obvious sign of waning sexual function; the female analogue of this, the inability to lubricate readily, is not as obvious and can be alleviated more easily, either endogenously or exogenously. The male’s signal of sexual responsiveness is external and evident. The female’s is much less overt. Sexual capability is a principle part of most males’ roles and self-concepts; capability per se is not the stereotyped badge of femininity. Previous experience and availability of appropriate sexual partners are important influences on sexuality for both men and women. Within the constraints set by physical changes, experience and attitudes towards self and sexuality are probably the most important determinants of sexual functioning and satisfaction in later years—but this is probably as true in young and middle adulthood.
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