Sexuality Matters: An Important Part of Healthy Aging – Part I
When we talk about healthy aging, we often focus on exercise, nutrition, brain health, and staying socially connected. But there's another important piece of well-being that doesn't get nearly enough attention: sexuality.
The truth is that our need for intimacy, connection, pleasure, and self-expression doesn't disappear with age. In fact, research shows that many older adults continue to view sexuality as an important part of their quality of life. A University of Michigan National Poll on Healthy Aging found that 76% of adults ages 65 to 80 believe sex is an important part of a romantic relationship at any age, and more than half said sex is important to their overall quality of life. I assure you as someone who has worked in both hospice and in assisted living, it doesn’t end at 80!
It's also important to remember that sexuality is bigger than sex. The National Institute on Aging notes that sexuality includes your feelings, desires, identity, touch, affection, and intimacy. These experiences can be meaningful whether someone is partnered or single. For partnered older adults, physical intimacy can foster connection, comfort, and emotional closeness. For solo agers, sexuality may be expressed through self-pleasure, dating, romance, affection, or simply maintaining a positive relationship with their own body and desires. There is no one "right" way to experience sexuality as we age.
Researchers have been studying this topic for years through the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project, a large ongoing study examining how social relationships, intimacy, sexuality, and health interact in later life. The study is based on the understanding that intimate relationships and sexual well-being are meaningful components of healthy aging. Aging may bring changes in our bodies, health conditions, or loss of/or changes in our relationships, but it can also be an opportunity to redefine what intimacy and sexuality mean. Healthy aging isn't about holding on to a younger version of ourselves. It's about continuing to live fully, connect authentically, and honor all the aspects of life that bring us joy and meaning.
Sexuality doesn't have an expiration date. Recognizing and supporting it, whether for solo or partnered agers, is an essential part of a whole-person approach to healthy aging.
I’m going to be doing a series with a deep dive into healthy sexuality as we age, so stay tuned. Topics include sexuality as a person living alone, safe sexuality, sexuality and cognitive changes, dating as we age, changes in our libido (male and female), menopause, andropause, and more!
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