Perceptions of well-being in sexual ill health: what role does age play?

This article explores the ways in which age can mediate the impact of sexual health problems on psychological well-being, and reports a qualitative interview study with 69 participants (aged 31–92). Data were analysed using ‘Framework’ and the following themes identified. Participants self-defined their sexual health problems, and these included tiredness, erectile dysfunction and menopause. Older participants reported more physical conditions of a long-term nature and younger participants experienced more shorter-term problems. The effect these had on the sufferer varied with regard to perceived aetiology and longevity of the problem, for instance older participants perceived some problems as age-related which buffered impact on well-being. The findings are discussed in relation to their implications for health care and policy development.