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

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