Skip to main content
Key Specialties
Cardiology Diabetology Endocrinology Gastroenterology Geriatrics and Gerontology Gynecology and Obstetrics Hematology Infectious Disease Internal Medicine Nephrology Neurology Oncology Pediatrics Respiratory Medicine Rheumatology Surgery
Congress Coverage
2024 ACC Congress 2023 ESMO Congress 2023 EASD Congress 2023 ERS Congress 2023 ESC Congress 2023 EHA Congress 2023 ASCO Annual Meeting
Clinical Collections
Advances in Alzheimer’s

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on sleep in brain health

LIVE: Thursday 2nd May 2024, 18:00-19:30 (CEST)

Quality sleep is essential for health. But what happens to our brains when sleep patterns are disturbed? Join our experts to explore the interplay between sleep disruption and neurological diseases, and the questions that you need to be asking your patients to help you prevent the harmful effects of sleep deprivation.
ADVANCED SEARCH
Log in
Top
Current Sexual Health Reports
Published in: Current Sexual Health Reports 2/2015

01-06-2015 | Integrating the Psychosocial (B McCarthy, RT Segraves and AH Clayton, Section Editors)

Older Adults and Sexual Health: A Review of Current Literature

Author: Sallie Foley

Published in: Current Sexual Health Reports | Issue 2/2015

Login to get access

Abstract

The sexual health of older adults is part of their overall health but significantly under researched and often unaddressed. Health care practitioners (HCPs) and mental health counselors admit they are not trained to address sexual health and frequently ignore or underestimate older adults’ sexual health concerns. This article summarizes the barriers to sexual health care for older adults and the current literature understanding effects of aging on sexual function and dysfunction. Areas for further research are discussed.
Literature
1.
2.
3.
DeLamater J, Hyde JS, Fong M-C. Sexual satisfaction in the seventh decade of life. J Sex Marital Ther. 2008;34(5):439–54.CrossRefPubMed
4.••
Trompeter SE, Bettencourt R, Barrett-Connor E. Sexual activity and satisfaction in healthy community-dwelling older women. Am J Med. 2012;125(1):37–43. The authors surveyed 1303 women between the ages of 40–99 to gain insight into the sexual activity and sexual satisfaction of older community-dwelling women.CrossRefPubMedCentralPubMed
5.
Laumann EO et al. Sexual problems among women and men aged 40–80 years: prevalence and correlates identified in the Global Study of Sexual Attitudes and Behaviors. Int J Impot Res. 2005;17(1):39–57.CrossRefPubMed
6.
Laumann EO et al. A cross-national study of subjective sexual well-being among older women and men: findings from the global study of sexual attitudes and behaviors. Arch Sex Behav. 2006;35(2):145–61.CrossRefPubMed
7.
8.•
Hyde Z et al. Prevalence and predictors of sexual problems in men aged 75–95 years: a population-based study. J Sex Med. 2012;9(2):442–53.CrossRefPubMed
9.•
DeLamater J. Sexual expression in later life: a review and synthesis. J Sex Res. 2012;49(2–3):125–41. The author reviews numerous studies that gather data on sexual expression in ageing populations. Based on his findings he proposes the development of a new theoretical framework for future study.CrossRefPubMed
10.
Helland Y et al. Rheumatic diseases and sexuality: disease impact and self-management strategies. Arthritis Care Res. 2011;63(5):743–50.CrossRef
11.
Hinchliff S, Gott M. Seeking medical help for sexual concerns in mid- and later life: a review of the literature. J Sex Res. 2011;48(2–3):106–17.CrossRefPubMed
12.
Hirayama R, Walker AJ. Who helps older adults with sexual problems? Confidants versus physicians. J Gerontol: Soc Sci. 2010;66B(1):109–18.CrossRef
13.
14.
Sand M, Fisher WA. Women’s endorsement of models of female sexual response: the nurses’ sexuality study. J Sex Med. 2007;4:708–19.CrossRefPubMed
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.••
Berry MD, Berry PD. Integrative approaches to the treatment of erectile dysfunction. Curr Sex Health Rep. 2014;6:114–23. The author reviews recent research to explore combinative and integrative therapy models for the treatment of ED. He then proposes an evidence-based treatment algorithm.CrossRef
20.
Chao J-K et al. Relationship among sexual desire, sexual satisfaction, and quality of life in middle-aged and older adults. J Sex Marital Ther. 2011;37(5):386–403.CrossRefPubMed
21.•
Corona G et al. Frequency of sexual activity and cardiovascular risk in subjects with erectile dysfunction: cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses. Andrology. 2013;1:864–71. The relationship between sexual activity and a major adverse cardiovascular event is explored in subjects with sexual dysfunction.CrossRefPubMed
22.•
Wittmann D et al. Exploring the role of the partner in couples’ sexual recovery after surgery for prostate cancer. Support Care Cancer. 2014;22(9):2509–15. Prostate cancer survivors and their partners are interviewed to understand the relationship of partner involvement and its impact on health and mental health outcomes.CrossRefPubMed
23.••
Wittmann D et al. What couples say about their recovery of sexual intimacy after prostatectomy: toward the development of a conceptual model of couples’ sexual recovery after surgery for prostate cancer. J Sex Med. 2014. The examination of a biopsychosocial model for couples’ recovery after surgery for prostate cancer.
24.
25.
Taylor A, Gosney MA. Sexuality in older age: essential considerations for healthcare professionals. Age Ageing. 2011;40:538–43.CrossRefPubMed
26.
27.
Foley S, Kope SA, Sugrue DP. Sex matters for women: a complete guide to taking care of your sexual self. New York: 2002.
28.
Barnett ZL, Robleda-Gomez S, Pachana NA. The little blue pill with big repercussions. Aging Mental Health. 2012;16(1):84–8.CrossRefPubMed
29.
Basson R et al. Role of androgens in women’s sexual dysfunction. Menopause: J N Am Menopause Soc. 2010;17(5):962–71.CrossRef
30.
Lee M. Focus on phosphodiesterase inhibitors for the treatment of erectile dysfunction in older men. Clin Ther. 2011;33(11):1590–608.CrossRefPubMed
31.•
Nappi RE et al. The CLOSER (CLarifying vaginal atrophy’s impact on sex and relationships) survey: implications of vaginal discomfort in postmenopausal women and in male partners. J Sex Med. 2013;10(9):2232–41. A large international study assessing the physical and emotional impact of postmenopausal vaginal atrophy on sex and relationships.CrossRefPubMed
32.•
Panay N, Maamari R. Treatment of postmenopausal vaginal atrophy with 10-μg estradiol vaginal tablets. Menopause Int. 2012;18(1):15–9. A summary of the safety and effectiveness of treating VA with low-dose local estrogen therapy.PubMed
33.
Hyde J, DeLamater J. Understanding human sexuality. 12th ed. New York: McGraw-Hill; 2013.
34.
Foley S. Modern love: a no-nonsense guide to a life of passion (AARP). 2006th ed. New York: Sterling; 2006.
35.•
Hughes AK, Wittmann D. Aging sexuality: knowledge and perceptions of preparation among U.S. primary care providers. J Sex Marital Ther. 2014;00(0):1–10. The authors assess the knowledge of aging sexuality and sexual health education among U.S. primary care physician and nurse practitioners.
36.
Hayes R, Dennerstein L. The impact of aging on sexual function and sexual dysfunction in women: a review of population-based studies. J Sex Med. 2005;2:317–30.CrossRefPubMed
37.
Kleinplatz PJ et al. The components of optimal sexuality: a portrait of “great sex.”. Can J Hum Sex. 2009;18(1–2):1–13.
38.
Tucker I. Management of inappropriate sexual behaviors in dementia: a literature review. Int Psychogeriatr. 2010;22(5):683–92.CrossRefPubMed
39.
Elias J, Ryan A. A review and commentary on the factors that influence expressions of sexuality by older people in care homes. J Clin Nurs. 2011;20(11–12):1668–76.CrossRefPubMed
40.•
Lichtenberg PA. Sexuality and physical intimacy in long-term care. Occup Ther Health Care. 2014;28(1):42–50. A review of current literature on sexuality and aging to gain insight into the sexuality and sexual needs of older adults in long-term care settings.PubMed
41.
Neville S, Henrickson M. ‘Lavender retirement’: a questionnaire survey for lesbian, gay, and bisexual people’s accommodation plans for older age. Int J Nurs Pract. 2010;16:586–94.CrossRefPubMed
42.
Addis S et al. The health, social care and housing needs of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender older people: a review of the literature. Health Soc Care Commun. 2009;17(6):647–58.CrossRef
43.
Balon R, Seagraves ST. Clinical manual of sexual disorders. Arlington: American Psychiatric Publishing; 2009.
44.•
Hughes AK, Lewinson TDW. Facilitating communication about sexual health between aging women and their health care providers. Qualitative Health Research. 2014:1–11. A qualitative study of older U.S. community-dwelling women to assess attitudes and experiences about sexual health communication with heath care providers.
45.•
Coleman E et al. Summit on medical school education in sexual health: report of an expert consultation. J Sex Med. 2013;10(4):924–38. A meeting report presenting the findings from a summit with U.S. and Canadian educators and experts. Attendees discussed data to develop key recommendations for improved medical school sexual health education.CrossRefPubMed
46.•
Gledhill S, Schweitzer RD. Sexual desire, erectile dysfunction and the biomedicalization of sex in older heterosexual men. J Adv Nurs. 2014;70(4):894–903. An examination of narratives collected from participants aged 65–84, revealing attitudes about sexual desire, the biomedicalization of sex, and the use of sexual enhancement pharmaceuticals.CrossRefPubMed
47.
Hillman J. Sexual issues and aging within the context of work with older adult patients. Prof Psychol: Res Pract. 2008;39(3):290–7.CrossRef
48.
Schick V et al. Sexual behaviors, condom use, and sexual health of Americans over 50: implications for sexual health promotion for older adults. J Sex Med. 2010;7 Suppl 5:315–29.CrossRefPubMed
49.
Scogin F. Evidence-based psychotherapies for depression in older adults. Clin Psychol Sci Pract. 2005;12(3):222–37.CrossRef
50.
Foley S, Wittmann D, Balon R. A multidisciplinary approach to sexual dysfunction in medical education. Acad Psychiatry. 2010;34(5):386–9.CrossRefPubMed
51.
Laumann EO, Waite LJ. Sexual dysfunction among older adults: prevalence and risk factors from a nationally representative U.S. probability sample of men and women 57–85 years of age. J Sex Med. 2008;5(10):2300–11.PubMedCentralPubMed
52.
Marshall BL. The graying of “sexual health”: a critical research agenda. Can Rev Sociol. 2011;48(4):390–413.CrossRefPubMed
53.•
Corona G et al. Sexual function of the ageing male. Best Pract Res Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2013;27:581–601. A summary of available evidence exploring the modifying effect of aging and co-morbidities on male sexual functioning.CrossRefPubMed
54.
Moreira Jr ED. Help-seeking behaviour for sexual problems: the global study of sexual attitudes and behaviors. Int J Clin Pract. 2005;59(1):6–16.CrossRefPubMed
55.
56.
Karraker A, DeLamater J, Schwartz CR. Sexual frequency decline from midlife to later life. J Gerontol Ser B Psychol Sci Soc Sci. 2011;66B(4):502–12.CrossRef
57.
Stroope S, McFarland MJ, Uecker JE. Marital characteristics and the sexual relationships of U.S. older adults: an analysis of national social life, health, and aging project data. Arch Sex Behav. 2015;44(1):233–47.CrossRefPubMed
58.•
Lochlainn MN, Kenny RA. Sexual activity and aging. JAMDA. 2013;14:565–72. An examination of the prevalence and problems of sexual activity among older adults and the associated role of the health care provider.PubMed
59.
Heiman JR et al. Sexual satisfaction and relationship happiness in midlife and older couples in five countries. Arch Sex Behav. 2011;40(4):741–53.CrossRefPubMed
60.•
Marberger M, Wilson TH, Rittmaster RS. Low serum testosterone levels are poor predictors of sexual dysfunction. BJU Int. 2011;108(2):256–62. The authors conducted a large population-based study examining the correlation between low serum testosterone levels and sexual dysfunction. Results question the common use of testosterone replacement based solely on serum testosterone levels.CrossRefPubMed
61.
Agronin M. Sexuality and aging. In: Binik YM, Hall KSK, editors. Principles and practice of sex therapy. 5th ed. New York: Guilford; 2014.
62.
Hijazi RA, Cunningham GR. Andropause: is androgen replacement therapy indicated for the aging male? Ann Rev Med. 2005;56:117–37.CrossRefPubMed
63.
Shabsigh R. Urological perspectives on andropause. Psychiatr Ann. 2003;33(8):501–6.CrossRef
64.
65.
Goldstat R et al. Transdermal testosterone therapy improves well-being, mood, and sexual function in premenopausal women. Menopause: J N Am Menopause Soc. 2003;10(5):390–8.CrossRef
66.
Foley S, Kope S, Sugrue D. Sex matters for women: a complete guide to taking care of your sexual self. 2nd ed. New York: Guilford; 2012.
67.••
Kingsberg S et al. Vulvar and vaginal atrophy in postmenopausal women: findings from the revive (real women’s views of treatment options for menopausal vaginal changes) survey. J Sex Med. 2013;10:1790–9. This large online survey reveals the commonality of symptoms of vulvar and vaginal atrophy. Sufficient diagnosis and treatment are limited by barriers revealed in this study.CrossRefPubMed
68.••
Parish S et al. Impact of vulvovaginal health on postmenopausal women: a review of surveys on symptoms of vulvovaginal atrophy. Int J Women’s Health. 2013;13(5):437–47. The authors summarize findings from several recent large surveys on postmenopausal vulvovaginal health. Barriers to recognition, diagnosis, and treatment of VVA and its effect on quality of life is examined.CrossRef
69.
70.•
Alberson M, Orabi H, Lue TF. Evaluation and treatment of erectile dysfunction in the aging male: a mini-review. Gerontology. 2012;58:3–14. This article provides a review of literature addressing the assessment and treatment of erectile dysfunction.CrossRef
71.•
Tapscott AH, Hakim LS. Office-based management of impotence and Peyronie’s disease. Urol Clin N Am. 2013;40:521–43. An examination of the office-based assessment, diagnosis, and non-surgical treatment options for ED and PD.CrossRef
72.
Metz ME, McCarthy BW. The “good-enough sex” model for couple sexual satisfaction. Sex Relationship Ther. 2007;22(3):351–62.CrossRef
73.
Davies HD et al. The impact of dementia and mild memory impairment (MMI) on intimacy and sexuality in spousal relationships. Int Psychogeriatr. 2010;22:618–28.CrossRefPubMed
74.
Rosen T. Sexual aggression between residents in nursing homes: literature synthesis of an underrecognized problem. 2010;58(10):1970–1979.
75.
Tarzia L, Fetherstonhaugh D, Bauer M. Dementia, sexuality and consent in residential aged care facilities. J Med Ethics. 2012;38:609–13.CrossRefPubMed
76.
Foley S. The complex etiology of delayed ejaculation: assessment and treatment implications. J Family Psychother. 2009;20(2–3):241–60.
77.
Kingsberg SA. The impact of aging on sexual function in women and their partners. Arch Sex Behav. 2002;31:431–7.CrossRefPubMed
78.
79.
80.
81.
Grossman H, Anthony D, Dragowski E. Caregiving and care receiving among older lesbian, gay, and bisexual adults. J Lesbian Gay Soc Serv. 2007;18:3–4.CrossRef
82.
Shifren J et al. Sexual problems and distress in United States women: prevalence and correlates. Obstet Gynecol. 2008;112(5):970–8.CrossRefPubMed
83.
Krychman ML, Katz A. Breast cancer and sexuality: multi-modal treatment options. J Sex Med. 2012;9:5–13.CrossRefPubMed
84.
85.
Anantharaman P, Schmidt RJ. Sexual function in chronic kidney disease. Adv Chronic Kidney Dis. 2007;14(2):119–25.CrossRefPubMed
86.
Clayton AH, Montejo AL. Major depressive disorder, antidepressants, and sexual dysfunction. J Clin Psychiatry. 2006;67 suppl 6:33–7.PubMed
87.
De Berardis G et al. Identifying patients with type 2 diabetes with a higher likelihood of erectile dysfunction: the role of the interaction between clinical and psychological factors. J Urol. 2003;169(4):1422–8.CrossRefPubMed
88.
Doruk H et al. Effect of diabetes mellitus on female sexual function and risk factors. Arch Androl. 2005;51(1):1–6.CrossRefPubMed
89.
Fatemi SS, Taghavi SM. Evaluation of sexual function in women with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Diab Vasc Dis Res. 2009;6(1):38–9.CrossRefPubMed
90.
Hajjar RR, Kamel HK. Sexuality in the nursing home, part 1: attitudes and barriers to sexual expression. J Am Med Dir Assoc. 2004;5(2 Suppl):S42–7.CrossRefPubMed
91.
Lightbody E. Sexuality and dementia: for better or worse? Old Age Psychiat. 2014;58.
92.
Clayton AH et al. Prevalence of sexual dysfunction among newer antidepressants. J Clin Psychiatry. 2002;63(4):357–66.CrossRefPubMed
93.
Rosenberg KP et al. A survey of sexual side effects among severely mentally ill patients taking psychotropic medications: Impact on compliance. J Sex Marital Ther. 2003;29(4):289–96.CrossRefPubMed
94.
Advokat CD et al. Julien’s primer of drug action. 13th ed. New York: Worth; 2014.
95.
Clayton AH, Montejo AL. Major depressive disorder, antidepressants, and sexual dysfunction. 2006;67(6 Suppl):33–37.
96.
Segraves RT, Balon R. Recognizing and reversing sexual side effects of medications. In: Levine SB, editor. Handbook of clinical sexuality for mental health professionals. 2nd ed. New York: Routledge; 2010.
97.
98.
Kleinplatz P. Lessons from great lovers. In: Levine S, editor. Handbook of clinical sexuality for mental health professionals. 2nd ed. New York: Routledge; 2010.
99.
Meana M, Binik YM, Hall KSK. Conclusion: sex therapy in transition: are we there yet? In: Binik YM, Hall KSK, editors. Principles and practice of sex therapy. 5th ed. New York: Guilford; 2014.
Metadata
Title
Older Adults and Sexual Health: A Review of Current Literature
Author
Sallie Foley
Publication date
01-06-2015
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Current Sexual Health Reports / Issue 2/2015
Print ISSN: 1548-3584
Electronic ISSN: 1548-3592
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11930-015-0046-x

Other articles of this Issue 2/2015

Current Sexual Health Reports 2/2015 Go to the issue

Variations in Orientation, Identity, Addiction, and Compulsion (E Coleman, Section Editor)

Forensic Applications of “Sex Addiction” in US Legal Proceedings

Integrating the Psychosocial (B McCarthy, RT Segraves and AH Clayton, Section Editors)

Biopsychosocial Assessment and Treatment of Sexual Problems in Older Age

Integrating the Psychosocial (B McCarthy, RT Segraves and AH Clayton, Section Editors)

Sexual Recovery After Cancer

Male Sexual Dysfunction and Disorders (SE Althof and AW Pastuszak, Section Editors)

Peyronie’s Disease: A Review of Etiology, Diagnosis, and Management

Variations in Orientation, Identity, Addiction, and Compulsion (E Coleman, Section Editor)

Gender and Sexual Legitimacy

Medical Comorbidities (AT Goldstein, M Miner and SJ Parish, Section Editors)

The Relationship between Systemic Hypertension and Erectile Dysfunction