Sexuality and sexual activity in older age: an age old issue?

It is undisputed that the global population aging in both relative and absolute terms, with current projections suggesting total levels of those over 60 will reach 2 billion by 2050.1World Health Organization Ageing health.2022https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/ageing-and-health#:∼:text=By%202050%2C%20the%20world's%20population,2050%20to%20reach%20426%20millionDate accessed: June 12, 2023Google Scholar This impending “demographic shift” has brought forward need for policy changes to prepare cope unique challenges an society pose. Such adaptations are seen across disciplines as emerging concepts such “active aging” become more salient within academic, clinical practice circles.2Lak A. Rashidghalam P. Myint P.K. Baradaran H.R. Comprehensive 5P framework active using ecological approach: iterative systematic review.BMC Publ Health. 2020; 20: 33Crossref PubMed Scopus (19) Google Scholar,3World Multisectoral action a life course approach healthy ageing.2014https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/158949/A67_23-en.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=yDate 13, However, one aspect consistently disregarded sex sexuality among older adults. Sexuality key component well-being encompasses emotionality, closeness, intimacy, identity well variety sexual practices activities.4World Sexual reproductive health research (SRH).2023https://www.who.int/teams/sexual-and-reproductive-health-and-research/key-areas-of-work/sexual-health/defining-sexual-healthDate 11, The notion “for young” still prominent, evoking often-cited “decline activity age” adage. tropes do not necessarily preclude adulthood but perpetuate inaccurate understandings aging. positions contrast epidemiological studies demonstrating adults continue be sexually active, even very old age, it remains integral part adults’ daily lives.5Brennan-Ing M. Kaufman J.E. Larson B. Gamarel K.E. Seidel L. Karpiak S.E. lesbian, gay, bisexual, heterosexual adults: exploratory analysis.Clin Gerontol. 2021; 44: 222-234Crossref (7) An important caveat most this evidence stems from conducted Global North coupled overall paucity other parts world, where mean ages often lower. For reason, study Wang et al.,6Wang Peng X. Liang Fu Lu Z. activity, satisfaction their correlates China: findings (SWELL) study.Lancet Reg West Pac. 2023; https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lanwpc.2023.100825Crossref timely welcome contribution literature. In China, almost 19% age rise 26% 2050. Presenting results “Sexual Well-Being Older Adults China (SWELL Study)”, involving 3001 participants aged 50–92, demonstrated 46.8% males 40.7% female reported being past 12 months. Coupled openness about preferences associated greater increases better self-reported status satisfaction. al., adopt particularly narrow definition restricted oral, vaginal or anal intercourse. interpretation underrepresents actual prevalence activities demonstrates report engaging non-penetrative (mutual) masturbation, petting, fondling, kissing so on.7Smith Yang Veronese N. Soysal Stubbs Jackson enjoyment adults.Sex Med. 2018; 7: 11-18Crossref (81) Introducing broad concept future explorations line cohort Additionally, authors disregard questions orientation gender measurement, further skewing favour cisgender assumptions. As took place during SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, many may have engaged less due physical social isolation necessitated distancing requirements. Nonetheless, despite these critiques, present opportune contribution, identifying clear avenues inquiry. What pertinent issues regarding adults? Firstly, understanding bi-directionality associations between necessary. Traditionally into centers on difficulties dysfunctions. While important, impact mental significant, note salutogenetic aspects sex. Studies shown positive relationships frequency array outcomes.8Brody S. Preut R. Vaginal intercourse heart rate variability.J Sex Marital Ther. 2003; 29: 371-380Crossref (68) Scholar, 9Liu H. Waite L.J. Shen D.H. Is good your health? A national partnered cardiovascular risk men women.J Soc Behav. 2016; 57: 276-296Crossref (0) 10Zhang Y. Liu longitudinal sex, relationship quality, adults.J Gerontol Series 2019; 75: 1772-1782Crossref (9) Secondly, clinicians should broaden include discussion patients. Questions physiological experiences. deeply individualized social, mental, emotional aspects, broadened number activities. Further, aware differences, acknowledged tend equate intercourse, while women focus fulfillment. To obtain insights, create safe environments, openly discuss patients, free assumption judgement, provide patients information only how prevent treat dysfunction maintain Finally, diversity recognized embraced. bulk literature predominantly heterocentric cisnormative tends experiences white, cis-gendered men. bias leads preponderance erectile dysfunction. dearth identify minorities whose needs markedly distinct.11McDonagh L.K. Nielsen E.-J. McDermott D.T. Davies Morrison T.G. “I want feel like full man”: conceptualizing men's difficulties.J Res. 55: 783-801Crossref (17) we close noting there much learn adults, including activity. limited investigating roles chronic illness, polypharmacy multimorbidity require working areas recognize diverse heterogeneous group encompassing various identities, orientations, ethnicities, socioeconomic status, religious beliefs, cultural backgrounds more. Each factors play role presentation maintenance Therefore, work area needed alongside its inclusion medical curricula investment. Both contributed equally. IG received payment Springer Nature Group co-editing Book Behaviour Adults”, DTM serves board Safer Living Foundation unpaid capacity. studyOlder who had talked easily partners were likely women, general lack disability Further address measures improve satisfaction, especially Full-Text PDF Open Access