Seniors’ sexual health: Separating the myths from facts

February 14, 2024
Myths abound about seniors, sex and intimacy. Sexual health is individually defined and goes beyond the bedroom: if it leads to intimacy and enriches both parties, it’s wholesome.

It’s Valentine’s Day, and many older adults and seniors are enjoying sex just as much—and sometimes more—than younger people. But myths and misconceptions about sex and aging abound. These include:

  • Older adults are too old and frail to have sex
  • Older people don’t want to discuss their sexuality with professionals
  • Sex is unimportant or over and done with when a person is older
  • Sexual prowess and desire wane with age
  • Menopause is the death of a woman’s sexuality
  • Masturbation is an immature activity of young people. Older people don’t masturbate.
  • Hysterectomies cause a physical disability that results in the inability to function sexually

Stories@IH

Read our latest stories

6 Minute Read
Health & Wellness

Andrea has gone from living in a tent city in Kelowna to full-time employment, owning a car and renting a place of her own thanks to the fentanyl patch program.

7 Minute Read
Community & Culture

Meet 2 IH volunteers who are making a difference in their communities. Teresa volunteers at RIH; Lee Reid of Nelson is active in the seniors' community.

3 Minute Read
Community & Culture

With her dedication to clinical excellence & inclusive care, Dr. Hilary Brotherhood isn't just a physician, but a trusted community member & thoughtful leader.

3 Minute Read
Health & Wellness

Cold chain management ensures vaccines remain at the correct temperatures during storage, transport and handling. It's a vital system that keeps patients safe.

2 Minute Read
Health & Wellness

This Earth Day, meet some of the IH staff and medical professionals behind our environmental sustainability successes in 2024.

5 Minute Read
Health & Wellness

Learn about the precautions you can take to prevent tick bites and illnesses, and how to remove a tick on yourself, a family member or pet.

STAY CONNECTED

Receive news and alert posts, and Stories@IH blog posts, right to your inbox!

mail