Sexual Distress, Concerns About Sex Life, and Successful Sexual Aging: An Exploration in Older Partnered German Adults

Although research on older adults’ sexual functioning and sexual health has increased in recent decades, there is a lack of systematic assessments of the role of sexual distress in positive sexual aging. This study examined associations between sexual distress, concerns about sex life, and positive sexual aging, and whether these associations differ by gender. Data were drawn from a 2024 online survey of partnered, sexually active German adults aged 65 years and older (n = 598). Positive sexual aging was assessed using the Successful Sexual Aging Scale (SSAS). Structural equation modeling controlling for age showed that distress about sexual functioning was strongly and negatively associated with successful sexual aging in both women and men. Concerns about sex life were additionally and uniquely associated with lower SSAS scores among women. Findings underscore the importance of assessing sexual distress and gender-specific concerns in older adults’ sexual health care.