Factor affecting sexual functioning in 60-79-year-old married males.

In data obtained from interviews with 60-79-year-old, married uppermiddle-class males, frequency of sexual expression proved to be independent of such factors as marital adjustment, sexual attractiveness of wives, sexual attitudes, and demographic features of the marital history. However, former levels of sexual functioning, as revealed by retrospective inquiry, appeared as highly significant correlates of current functioning in accordance with the hypothesis that males generally maintain relatively high or low rates of sexual activity throughout their lives. Of particular interest was the finding that, in the male, sexual frequency, erotic responsiveness to visual stimuli, and time comfortable without sex are closely interrelated phenomena, suggesting that all three variables are strongly commensurate with degree of motivation. Finally, those subjects found to be less than fully potent at report were also found to be virtually free of performance anxiety, feelings of sexual deprivation, and loss of self-esteem. This is consistent with lack of motivation being responsible for lower sexual functioning.