Sexuality and Aging

Sexuality and aging concerns how one’s sexual identity, orientation, behavior, satisfaction, health, and dysfunction change over time. While there is a growing body of research on sexuality and aging, much of this research continues to focus primarily or exclusively on the heterosexual population. On this account, it is important to note that health disparities and stigma often present aging LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender) adults with significant challenges too. With a burgeoning population of more than 3.5 million LGBT elders, it is essential to equip care professionals and policymakers with relevant information. Accordingly, this entry presents information on age-related sexual activity, satisfaction, and dysfunction. Factors that pose challenges to the sexuality of aging LGBT adults—including health disparities, stereotypes, discrimination, HIV/AIDS, and long-term care—will also ...