People often see disability and age as a problem for late-in-life sex, but it is actually a myth that men and women lose sexual interest as they age; in fact, seniors likely have satisfying sex. People are living longer and exploring more sexual partners, but they are not practicing safe sex—people 55 and older account for over 25% of the Americans living with HIV. One area of concern that could possibly be contributing to this epidemic is nursing homes not having clear intimacy policies, especially in cases of consent. However, there are benefits to senior sex, including the idea that if seniors maintain it, sex will likely remain a part of their lifestyle—the whole “use it, or lose it.” Additionally, late-in-life sex can lead to improved sleep, younger appearance, less migraines, and satisfying relationships.
See Ashley May, Yes, Your Grandmother Is Having Sex, USA Today, April 11, 2017.
Special thanks to Jim Hillhouse (Professional Legal Marketing (PLM, Inc.)) for bringing this article to my attention.
