PSYC 362 Lecture Notes - Lecture 2: Menopause, Disengagement Theory, Activity Theory
Document Summary
Current cohort married young and stayed married. More time together after children leave the nest huge number of people who are together, have kids, kids leave, still together and alive. What sustains a relationship? (sternberg) love = intimacy (emotional intimacy, deepest thoughts and feelings), Male and female differences -- females experience major change during menopause. Much has to do with physiological changes. Sexual interest: constant until about 75, then starts to decline. Sexual relations at least once a week. 80% in 20s, 50% in 60s, 33% over 70. But most people are satisfied with their activity levels. A national survey of ages 57-85 found sex to be common ( past 12 months) 81% from ages 40-80, of men and 70% of women reported that they were sexually active during the past years. Decline in interest & activity most likely caused by: loss of a spouse. 85% more psychological than physical quality of overall relationship becomes most important.
