Older women and sexuality – are we still just talking lube?

Abstract

There is little practical information for older women about their changing sexuality. As they age, women are likely to continue to seek ways of expressing their sexuality, but there are issues to consider that both their family doctors and therapists may overlook. Physical conditions or disabilities may hamper their ability to enjoy sex. Pharmaceutical interventions only attempt to improve desire and sexual response. If an older woman begins a new sexual relationship, ignorance of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) puts her at risk. There is good evidence that the incidence of STIs is rising amongst older people. Older women's lack of knowledge about safer sex and poor communication skills may increase their risk of developing sexually acquired infection. Older women who live in long-term care facilities face additional challenges. Their right to be sexually active, along with their right to privacy, may not be realised. Such problems also present challenges for caregivers. In addition, comprehensive assessment criteria are needed to ensure that women in long-term care facilities have the capacity and knowledge to give informed consent to sexual activity and to avoid sexual exploitation. Older gay women may find themselves dealing with an additional problem: Do they feel obliged to conceal their sexual orientation? Older transgender people, who have “passed” for years and find themselves in the physical care of untrained staff, may risk prejudice and humiliation. More evidence is required to determine ways that older women may be helped to live a healthy sexual life and to augment both their knowledge and skills. Professionals working with older women would benefit from more training.