How your health affects your sexuality as you age

Did you know that it is your health, not age, that affects your sexuality? While certain health conditions can affect the libido and sexual capacity, many people still want and need intimacy, or have sexual desires as they grow older. There are many taboos and preconceived ideas about the sexuality of older adults. Society sometimes seems to value sexuality primarily in the context of youth and beauty. Older adults can reap several health benefits associated with maintaining a regular sex life. It is important to talk about sexual health and the sexual issues people face with age.

We have compiled the latest evidence-based resources on a variety of sexual health topics.


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DISCLAIMER: These summaries are provided for informational purposes only. They are not a substitute for advice from your own health care professional. The summaries may be reproduced for not-for-profit educational purposes only. Any other uses must be approved by the McMaster Optimal Aging Portal (info@mcmasteroptimalaging.org).

Many of our Blog Posts were written before the COVID-19 pandemic and thus do not necessarily reflect the latest public health recommendations. While the content of new and old blogs identify activities that support optimal aging, it is important to defer to the most current public health recommendations. Some of the activities suggested within these blogs may need to be modified or avoided altogether to comply with changing public health recommendations. To view the latest updates from the Public Health Agency of Canada, please visit their website.