Sexual Activity in Late Adulthood
Sexual activity among those in late adulthood is an often overlooked subject. There are many myths about sexual activity among late adults the most common myth being that those in late adult hood aren’t interested in sex and aren’t having sex. There are many studies done that disprove the myth that older adults are not interested in some sort of sexual activity.
- Bretchneider and McCoy did a study of healthy older adults living in retirement homes in California. They found that “62% of men and 30% of women over 80 had had recent sexual intercourse, while 87% of men and 68% of women had sexual intimacy of some sort” (Kessel, 2001, p. 121)
- In a study by Kalra, Subramanyam, and Pinto they found that “72% individuals below 60 were sexually active” and “57% above 60 were [sexually] active” (Gurvinder, Alka & Charles, 2011)
- In a study by Lindau et al. they found that “The proportion of sexually active couples that engage in oral sex, for example, hovered at around 50 percent for those under 75. More than half of men and a quarter of women, whether they had a sexual partner or not, acknowledged masturbating” (Lindau et al., 2007)
(NSSHB, 2010)
Late Adulthood and Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Research states that older adults in the United States have the highest growing rate for Sexually Transmitted Diseases compared to other populations. (PR, 2012)
Between 2005 and 2009:
These rising numbers are attributed to the new drugs and medications on the market allowing for older adults to remain sexually active longer through medications such as Viagra or hormone replacements. The increase in available drugs has not been combined with an increase on sexual education which may be a important contributor to the rise in sexually transmitted diseases. (“HIV/AIDS and STD” 2011).
Between 2005 and 2009:
- Syphilis and Chlamydia increased 43% for seniors nationwide
- In the state of Florida Syphilis and Chlamydia increased 62%
- Central Florida alone had a 71% increase in Syphilis and Chlamydia
These rising numbers are attributed to the new drugs and medications on the market allowing for older adults to remain sexually active longer through medications such as Viagra or hormone replacements. The increase in available drugs has not been combined with an increase on sexual education which may be a important contributor to the rise in sexually transmitted diseases. (“HIV/AIDS and STD” 2011).
(National Survey of Sexual Health and Behavior, 2010)
Safer Sex for Seniors Handouts
For more downloadable FAQ sheets from Safer Sex 4 Seniors please visit
http://safersex4seniors.org/faq/#cat-01
http://safersex4seniors.org/faq/#cat-01
Additional Downloadable Resources:
Sexual Problems | |
File Size: | 165 kb |
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A Study of Sexuality and Health | |
File Size: | 216 kb |
File Type: |
Sexual Dysfunction | |
File Size: | 112 kb |
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