“I'm not terribly lonely”: Advancing the understanding of intimacy among older adults

• Published in: Journal of aging studies 2022-06, Vol.61, p.101005-101005, Article 101005
• Main Authors: Fitzroy, Andrea F., Kemp, Candace L., Burgess, Elisabeth O.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Aged; Assisted living; Humans; Interpersonal Relations; Loneliness; Long-term care; Qualitative Research; Qualitative research methods; Quality of life; Sexual Behavior; Sexual Partners; Social relationships
• ISSN: 0890-4065; 1879-193X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jaging.2022.101005

Intimacy, a social relationship component, continues to be essential in later life, including for older adults in long-term care such as assisted living. Yet, no previous study has conceptualized how individuals experience intimacy holistically (i.e., broadly defined) and within the context of later life, health decline, and long-term care. The purpose of this analysis was to provide an in-depth understanding of intimacy in the lives of older adults in assisted living. Using grounded theory methods, we analyzed data from the “Convoys of Care” (Kemp, PI: R01AG044368) longitudinal, qualitative research project. Data consisted of 2224 h of participant observation and interviews with 28 assisted living residents (aged 58–96), and their care partners (n = 114) followed over two years from four diverse assisted living communities. Residents' experience with intimacy was a process involving four dimensions: emotional, intellectual, spiritual, and physical. Intimacy occurred in platonic or romantic forms and was dynamic over time alongside residents' intimacy needs. Residents engaged in an ongoing process requiring that they manage their needs while negotiating intimacy opportunities and constraints. Our findings expand the current conceptualization of intimacy in later life, specifically in the context of long-term care. Findings indicate the need for an approach to long-term care that addresses individuals' intimacy needs and preferences. •Residents’ intimacy experience was a process involving four dimensions: emotional, intellectual, spiritual, and physical.•Intimacy experiences occurred platonically, sexually, or romantically, and was dynamic over time alongside intimacy needs.•Intimacy process was an ongoing process where residents managed their needs while negotiating opportunities and constraints.•Individual, intimacy-partner, and assisted living communities’ factors influenced older adults’ intimacy experience(s).