Sexual Revolutionaries Mature: Baby Boomers Seek Relationship Satisfaction
22 Junio 2006 - 8:00AM
PR Newswire (US)
New Survey Reveals State of Emotional and Physical Intimacy of
Boomer Relationships BOTHELL, Wash. and INDIANAPOLIS, June 22
/PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Compared to all the attention paid to how
the baby boomer generation is aging and preparing for retirement,
relatively little has been said about how their relationships are
faring. According to a new survey conducted by Harris
Interactive(R) of 2,000 married baby boomer men and women aged
40-70, when it comes to the success of their relationships, 84
percent of baby boomers(1) rank physical intimacy(2) as being
important or very important. In fact, the number of boomers in the
survey who rank physical intimacy as important to a successful
relationship is higher than having enough money (72 percent) or
even good health (78 percent).(3) The survey also found that only
half (50 percent) of boomers surveyed are satisfied with the
physical intimacy in their relationship, and 41 percent of men and
43 percent of women desire more emotional intimacy(4) in their
relationships. With so much room for improvement, it may be time
for baby boomers to assess their rIQ (Relationship Intelligence
Quotient). Lilly ICOS LLC (NYSE:LLYNYSE:andNYSE:Nasdaq:NYSE:ICOS),
the maker of Cialis(R) (tadalafil),(5) has launched the rIQ
campaign to help couples gain insight into the role of emotional
and physical intimacy. rIQ includes advice from relationship
experts and best-selling authors Dr. Bob Berkowitz, clinical
sexologist and iVillage Web show host, and Dr. Joy Browne, clinical
psychologist and radio and television talk-show host. The campaign
also includes the rIQ quiz that men and women can take to learn
about their own relationship intelligence. "For a lot of boomers,
sex is expected, anticipated, valued and an important part of life.
Not only are they living longer, looking better, and feeling
peppier, but they want it all -- great sex, emotional closeness,
and intimacy in all its glory, even while maintaining busy, active,
physical, fulfilling, challenging (occasionally stressful) lives
well beyond what their grandparents, or even parents could have
dreamed," said Dr. Browne. "The survey findings mirror what I hear
from callers to my radio program nearly every day. Boomers want
emotional and physical intimacy, yet many are unclear about what to
do specifically when they don't have the happiness, success, and
closeness in the bedroom that they view as their birthright." The
Sexual Evolution Fifty-eight percent of baby boomers rate the
overall quality of their relationship as "excellent," but 44
percent of the baby boomers surveyed admit the physical intimacy in
their relationship is worse now than when the relationship first
began. This feeling was shared by both sexes, with 66 percent of
male participants and 44 percent of females wishing for more
physical intimacy with their partner. Satisfaction with physical
intimacy seems to have a direct impact on how satisfied baby
boomers are emotionally. Importantly, those who had sex more often
-- once a week or more -- were substantially more likely to be
satisfied with their emotional intimacy. * According to the survey,
76 percent of baby boomers who have sex once or more per week are
satisfied with their relationship's emotional intimacy. In
contrast, only 54 percent of those who have sex once or a few times
per month, and 41 percent of those who engage in sex only a few
times a year or less, are satisfied with their emotional intimacy.
* Survey participants who are satisfied with the physical intimacy
in their relationship are three times more likely to report being
satisfied with their relationship's emotional intimacy than those
who report feeling dissatisfied with physical intimacy. What's
Preventing Boomers From Being Physically Intimate? Baby boomers are
most likely to cite "being tired" as a barrier to physical
intimacy. In fact, 67 percent of men and 59 percent of women
experienced this barrier. Stress and anxiety are barriers for 47
percent of men and 41 percent of women. Work/job rounded out the
top three barriers, affecting 38 percent of men and 31 percent of
women.(6) Erectile dysfunction (ED) is also identified as a barrier
to physical intimacy. Nearly four out of 10 men and women (37
percent) surveyed say they have experienced ED in their
relationship. ED affects not only the physical intimacy in these
relationships but the emotional intimacy as well. Over half of
boomers (55 percent) who experienced ED in their relationship feel
physical intimacy declined, and 35 percent say their emotional
intimacy declined. "Whether a relationship barrier is stress, poor
communication or a condition such as erectile dysfunction, physical
intimacy can be hindered and affect the overall relationship," said
Dr. Berkowitz. "ED is more common than you might think. Without
recognition and appropriate treatment, this barrier can cause
serious harm in a relationship. We know, as this boomer survey
affirms, that physical and emotional intimacies are inextricably
linked. Both are so essential to building and nurturing healthy and
happy relationships." Dr. Berkowitz added, "ED does not have to be
a relationship barrier. Treatment options are available. A man and
his partner should consider talking to a doctor to determine if a
medication or another therapy could help." How Do Baby Boomers Keep
Intimacy Alive? The survey findings also shed light on what baby
boomers feel are crucial steps for a successful and intimate
relationship. Approximately 53 percent of baby boomers say "couple
time," or time spent only with their partner, is the best way to
keep intimacy alive in their relationship.(7) Dr. Berkowitz
continued, "Couples should make time for one another, make time
away from work and remove barriers to spending quality time
together, just the two of them. This should be time set aside to
focus on why they are together -- what they valued and still value
about each other." According to Drs. Browne and Berkowitz, the
cornerstone of a successful relationship is actively communicating
and listening so that problems can be raised and openly discussed.
Nearly all survey respondents (98 percent) say good communication
is the key for a successful relationship. Those curious about their
own rIQ can visit http://www.cialisriq.com/ and obtain relationship
tips from Drs. Browne and Berkowitz, view interesting survey
statistics, and assess their own Relationship IQ score by taking a
short rIQ quiz. Survey Overview The survey was conducted online by
Harris Interactive on behalf of Lilly ICOS LLC among 1,012 men and
1,013 women ages 40 to 70 in committed (five or more years)
romantic relationships within the United States between March 27
and March 31, 2006. Figures for education, age, sex,
race/ethnicity, region and income were weighted where necessary to
bring them into line with their actual proportions in the
population. Propensity score weighting also was used to adjust for
respondents' propensity to be online. With pure probability
samples, with 100 percent response rates, it is possible to
calculate the probability that the sampling error (but not other
sources of error) is not greater than some number. With a pure
probability sample of 2,025 adults, one could say with a 95 percent
probability that the overall results have a sampling error of +/-
3.2 percentage points and +/- 4.4 percentage points each for the
men and women samples. Sampling error for the various sub-sample
results is higher and varies. However, that does not take other
sources of error into account. This online survey is not based on a
probability sample and therefore no theoretical sampling error can
be calculated. About ED ED is defined as the consistent inability
to attain and maintain an erection sufficient for sexual
intercourse. ED affects an estimated 189 million men worldwide.(8)
Experts believe that 80 - 90 percent of ED cases are related to a
physical or medical condition, like diabetes, cardiovascular
diseases, and prostate cancer treatment, while 10 - 20 percent are
due to psychological causes.(9,10) In many cases, however, both
psychological and physical factors contribute to the condition.(11)
About Cialis Cialis(R) (tadalafil) is approved for the treatment of
erectile dysfunction and is the only oral ED tablet clinically
proven to work up to 36 hours. Cialis is available by prescription
only and is not for everyone. Men taking nitrates, often used for
chest pain, should not take Cialis. Such a combination could cause
a sudden, unsafe drop in blood pressure. The most common side
effects with Cialis were headache, upset stomach, delayed backache
or muscle ache. As with any ED tablet, in the rare event of
priapism (an erection lasting more than four hours), men should
seek immediate medical attention to avoid long-term injury. Men
should not drink alcohol in excess with Cialis. Cialis does not
protect a man or his partner from sexually transmitted diseases,
including HIV. In rare instances, men taking prescription ED
tablets (including Cialis) reported a sudden decrease or loss of
vision. It's not possible to determine if these events are related
directly to the ED tablets or to other factors. If a man has a
sudden decrease or loss of vision, he should stop taking any ED
tablet and seek immediate medical attention. Men should discuss
their medical conditions and all medications with their doctors to
ensure Cialis is right for them and that they are healthy enough
for sexual activity. Individual results may vary. Cialis has not
been studied for multiple attempts per dose. Cialis is not
indicated for relationship improvement. For full patient
information and/or full prescribing information, visit
http://www.cialis.com/. About Lilly ICOS LLC Lilly ICOS LLC, a
joint venture between ICOS Corporation (NASDAQ:ICOS) and Eli Lilly
and Company (NYSE:LLY), developed tadalafil for the treatment of
erectile dysfunction. ICOS Corporation, a biotechnology company
headquartered in Bothell, Washington, is dedicated to bringing
innovative therapeutics to patients. ICOS is working to develop
treatments for serious unmet medical conditions such as benign
prostatic hyperplasia, hypertension, pulmonary arterial
hypertension, cancer and inflammatory diseases. Additional
information about ICOS is available at http://www.icos.com/. Lilly,
a leading innovation-driven corporation is developing a growing
portfolio of first-in-class and best-in-class pharmaceutical
products by applying the latest research from its own worldwide
laboratories and from collaborations with eminent scientific
organizations. Headquartered in Indianapolis, Ind., Lilly provides
answers -- through medicines and information -- for some of the
world's most urgent medical needs. Additional information about
Lilly is available at http://www.lilly.com/. P-LLY Except for
historical information contained herein, this press release
contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the
Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such
forward-looking statements are based on current expectations,
estimates and projections about the industry, management beliefs
and certain assumptions made by the management of ICOS and Lilly.
Investors are cautioned that matters subject to forward-looking
statements involve risks and uncertainties, including economic,
competitive, governmental, technological, legal and other factors
discussed in the two companies' respective filings with the
Securities and Exchange Commission, which may affect the business
and prospects of the two companies and Lilly ICOS. Results and the
timing and outcome of events may differ materially from those
expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements in this
press release. More specifically, there can be no assurance that
Cialis will achieve commercial success or that competing products
will not pre-empt market opportunities that might exist for the
product. REFERENCES (1) "Baby boomer" refers to survey participants
aged 40-70. (2) Physical intimacy is defined as physical closeness
such as hand- holding, kissing, cuddling and sexual intercourse.
(3) rIQ Survey Results Report, Harris Interactive, sponsored by
Lilly ICOS LLC. The survey asked more than 2,000 married U.S. baby
boomer men and women (aged 40-70) about the emotional and physical
state of their romantic relationships. (4) Emotional intimacy is
defined as the non-physical components of personal connection in
close romantic relationships, like mutual communication and
understanding, as well as the sharing of personal hopes, fears and
desires with each other. (5) Cialis(R) is a registered trademark of
Lilly ICOS LLC. (6) rIQ Survey Results Report, Harris Interactive,
sponsored by Lilly ICOS LLC. (7) rIQ Survey Results Report, Harris
Interactive, sponsored by Lilly ICOS LLC. (8) Data were
extrapolated from Feldman HA, Goldstein I, Hatzichristou DG, Krane
RJ. Impotence and its Medical and Psychosocial Correlates: Results
of the Massachusetts Male Aging Study, Journal of Urology. Vol.
151, 54-61, January 1994 and World Population Projection Program Of
United Nations (2002 Revision) with indirect standardization. (9)
Shabsigh, R. (2002). Back To Great Sex: Overcome ED and Reclaim
Lost Intimacy. New York: Kensington. (10) Diseases and Conditions:
Impotence, http://www.impotence.org/FAQ/index.asp. Data accessed
11/20/03. (11) Lue, Tom F. Erectile Dysfunction. N Engl J Med 2000;
342: 1802-1813. (Logo:
http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20040122/LILLYICOSLOGO )
http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20040122/LILLYICOSLOGO
DATASOURCE: Lilly ICOS LLC CONTACT: Kindra Strupp of Lilly,
+1-317-277-5170; or Lacy Fitzpatrick of ICOS, +1-425-415-2207
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