Purpose of Review

This brief review identifies a number of psychological, social, and interpersonal barriers to sexual expression among older adults.

Recent Findings

Cultural ideas about sexuality and aging as well as attitudes about sex are noted psychological factors that impact sexuality in older adulthood. Social factors, including the availability of a healthy partner, provide the opportunity structure for partnered sexual activity to occur. Among partnered individuals, interpersonal factors, such as sexual communication and relationship quality, impact individuals’ sexual desire, sex frequency, and sexual satisfaction.

Summary

Overall, this review highlights the importance of taking a more comprehensive approach to the study of aging and sexuality. In particular, researchers should continue to integrate interpersonal aspects of sexuality in older adulthood into the traditional physiological and psychosocial models.

Key words: Aging, Interpersonal relationships, Older adulthood, Sexuality, Psychosocial factors, Social factors