Sexual Wellness is a journey that never ends.
Sexual Wellness is an important state of physical, emotional, and social well-being related to sexuality focused on the possibility of engaging in pleasurable experiences throughout the human lifespan.
Name: Phil
Age: 83
I’ve seen and done a lot during these 83 years of life. These decades of living have taught me to appreciate my body and my abilities. I want to make sure that I do my part to take care of my body, including my sexual wellness. Trust me, sex never gets old!
Name: Ted & Simone
Age: 73 & 69
We love life and enjoy spending time together exploring the world. We also enjoy sexually exploring and that’s why we agreed that regular testing for STIs and HIV as well as understanding our HIV prevention options gives us the freedom to be in control of our sexual wellness. As we continue living life to the fullest, we are living proof that sex never gets old!
Name: Penny, Charlotte & Tina
Age: 68, 63, 65
We have been inseparable for years. We share highs, lows and everything in between. Others have attempted to define our relationship and we smile because we know what we mean to each other. The bond that we share means that we prioritize our health and wellness, including sexual wellness. There’s joy and freedom in knowing where we stand when it comes to STIs and HIV because of all the prevention options that are available. We may be older but we believe that sex never gets old!
Name: Harold & James
Age: 75 & 62
We had both been single for over two decades before we met and decided that we wanted to be a couple. Prioritizing our sexual wellness is something that we don’t take for granted because we believe that we are responsible for each other’s sexual pleasure. We are proof that sex never gets old!
What does Sexual Wellness mean to you?
HANC surveyed adults 50 years of age and older to gain their insight. The following quotes are direct, unedited responses from individuals who responded to the survey.
Disease free living!
(Female, White, Age Range: 50-60)
As an older adult, sexual health means: 1. that I am entitled to a vibrant, energetic and fulfilling sex life 2. that people take the concept of an older person enjoying sex as affirming, and not a punch line, and 3. that I am entitled to sexual health prevention and care services that see me as a human enjoying life, and not as an anomaly because I am older and sexually active .
(Cisgender Male, Black, Age Range: 50-60)
Physical, emotional & mental wellbeing of myself, taking care of my body which is my temple.
(Cisgender Woman, Black, Age Range: 50-60)
As an older gay man sexual health encompasses a state of physical, mental, and social well-being related to sexuality, with various aspects like libido, erectile function, sexual function, and overall sexual satisfaction, while also considering the impact of aging and health conditions.
(Male, Caucasian, Age Range: 50-60)
Freedom to explore.
(Gender Fluid, Black, Age Range: 61-71)
Acto natural, cuidados, educación, protección, diálogo, aceptación, actualización.
(Mujer, Blanca Latina, Age Range: 61-71)
Am I still able to have sex? What does that look like for me? Have I seen and/or spoken with my doctor about my fears? Have I had a check-up in a while?
(Female, Black, Age Range: 61-71)
Sexual health to me means that there is qualified expert culturally competent care available when I need it. That there is a compassionate understanding professional that i can bring my concerns to without fear of being judged or turned away.
(Cisgender Male, Latino Caucasian, Age Range: 61-71)
Getting tested, remaining undetectable, DoxyPEP, Hepatitis vaccines, regular SDI check-ups.
(Nonbinary, White, Age Range: 61-71)
Sexual Wellness
Sexual desire and activity do not end with getting older. Sexual activity is alive at any age, and many older adults are interested in sex and fulfilling relationships in many shapes and forms. Sexual wellness in older populations is a large umbrella of well-being, encompassing physical, emotional, psychological, and social factors.
Many older adults remain sexually active well into their later years, with research indicating that a significant percentage of individuals in their 60s, 70s, and even 80s continue to engage in sexual activity. In a US study of people aged 75–85 yrs who were sexually active, 54% reported having sex 2-3 x/month and 23% reported having sex 1+ x/week1.
Aging can bring unique physical changes and challenges affecting sexual function, but it doesn’t have to affect sexual activity or pleasure. Sexual wellness means more than risk for pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections. It is redefined by changing bodies, needs, and desires. You are more than your sex drive, and your sex drive is shaped by the whole of you.
Aging with an eye on sexual wellness means breaking down barriers to health through open communication, learning, and keeping a positive view related to sex. Sex without stigma is key and everyone should be informed and supported to engage pleasurably.
Open communication between individuals and their healthcare providers is crucial to address any concerns or challenges related to sexual health. Yet only 17% of older adults (65-80) talked about sex with a health care provider. However, 60% of older adults said they had to initiate the conversation2.
Sexual wellness is essential as we age. Stay informed. Talk to your provider. Enjoy yourself.
1Lindau ST, et al. A study of sexuality and health among older adults in the United States. N Engl J Med. 2007;357(8):762-774. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa067423
2Agochukwu-Mmonu N, Malani PN, Wittmann D, et al. Interest in Sex and Conversations About Sexual Health with Health Care Providers Among Older U.S. Adults. Clin Gerontol. 2021;44(3):299-306. doi:10.1080/07317115.2021.1882637
Explore the Sexual Health Spectrum
Disclaimer
Images feature models for illustrative purposes only. Stories are fictionalized and not based on actual people or events. Any resemblance is purely coincidental.