Sexuality is an important part of life no matter how old you are; intimacy is ageless. Older adults are rarely encouraged to express their sexuality openly, and usually feel embarrassed to discuss the topic. Due to this, elderly sexuality is often misunderstood. Let’s explore the importance of embracing sexuality and sexual education for older adults.
Only 40 percent of seniors reported still having sex. The number significantly decreases with age due to the physical changes aging brings. These changes can negatively affect one’s sex life. Some major changes include:
- Women having less vaginal lubrication due to the thinning of the vaginal walls
- Men experiencing erectile dysfunction
- Decreased sex drive
These changes are normal, and this does not mean that older adults have to give up and suppress their sexuality. There are also several benefits of sex as we age, such as improving mental and physical health, bringing one romantically closer to their partner, and giving one the chance to escape from reality for a moment (Help Guide).
Many older adults may forget that they are safe from sexually transmitted infections, or STIs. However, any person of any age can transmit an STI to those whom they are sexually active with if they do not use protection. There are hundreds of thousands of older adults with STIs, which is a prevalent issue in this population that can be lowered with the use of protection.
Sexual education is important, and some ways to inform our senior communities is by holding seminars in assisted living communities, providing informative brochures, offering free condoms, and encouraging seniors to talk about their sex life with their doctor. Sex is a natural part of life that no one should be excluded from, as long as it is consensual and safe.
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By Ailyn Gabriela Garcia
Senior Care Advising Intern at WellPath Partners
Health Science Student at California State University, Long Beach
