[1][2] The book presents survey research describing the attitudes and experiences of older people in the United States based on a 1977 Consumer Reports survey of over 4000 people.

[1] One reason for the study was to demonstrate that older people can have healthy sex lives.

[2] Many reviewers commented that the survey included a large and well-described sample.

[3] May Cohen described the study as the largest group of people over age 50 to answer questions on their sexuality.

[3] Wardell Pomeroy said the book contained a "treasure trove of findings" and that the chapter on postmenopausal hormone therapy is absolutely "first-rate.