Constructions of sexuality in later life: Analyses of Canadian magazine and newspaper portrayals of online dating

Abstract Advertisements as well as contemporary literature and films often depict older adults as sexually undesirable and unattractive, which reinforces the stereotype that they are nonsexual. However, the evolving discourses of successful aging emphasize that active engagement in life is a key ele...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of aging studies 2015, Vol.32, p.40-49
Main Authors: Wada, Mineko, Hurd Clarke, Laura, Rozanova, Julia
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Aged
Aging
Aging - physiology
Aging - psychology
Canada
Courtship
Discourse analysis
Discursive analysis
Humans
Internal Medicine
Internet
Interpersonal Relations
Later life
Libido
Media
Newspapers as Topic
Older people
Online dating
Periodicals as Topic
Sexual Behavior
Sexuality
Sexuality - psychology
Stereotypes
Thematic analysis
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Summary:Abstract Advertisements as well as contemporary literature and films often depict older adults as sexually undesirable and unattractive, which reinforces the stereotype that they are nonsexual. However, the evolving discourses of successful aging emphasize that active engagement in life is a key element of healthy aging and as such, have been influencing the ways that older adults' sexuality is represented. This paper explores how popular newspapers and magazines in Canada construct and portray later life sexuality within the context of online dating. We retrieved 144 newspaper and magazine articles about later life online dating that were published between 2009 and 2011. Our thematic and discursive analyses of the articles generated six themes. Of 144 articles, 13% idealized sexuality (sexual attractiveness and optimal sexual engagement) for older adults. The articles portrayed sexual interests and functioning as declining in later life (19%) more often than sustaining (15%). Approximately 15% of the articles suggested that older adults should explore new techniques to boost sexual pleasure, thereby medicalizing and ameliorating sexual decline . In addition, the articles challenged the stereotype of older adults as non-sexual and claimed that sexual engagement in later life was valuable as it contributed to successful aging. We address the paradox in the articles' positive portrayals of older adults' sexuality and the tensions that arise between the two distinct ideals of sexuality that they advance.
ISSN:0890-4065
1879-193X
DOI:10.1016/j.jaging.2014.12.002