Sexuality in the Senior Years: Understanding Intimacy, Aging, and the Body

The cultural assumption that sexuality ends or becomes irrelevant with age is one of the most persistent and damaging myths about later life. Research consistently shows that intimacy, sexual expression, and physical connection remain important to most people well into their seventies and beyond — and that the barriers to enjoying them are more often psychological, cultural, and informational than biological. This course directly challenges those assumptions with accurate information and a clear-eyed view of what later-life sexuality actually looks like. By the end of this course you will be able to identify and counter the major myths about senior sexuality, understand the physiological changes that aging brings and how they affect sexual function, and develop an accurate, affirming framework for thinking about intimacy in later life — your own or others'. What you will learn: - The most common myths about senior sexuality — including what research says in response to each - The physiological changes of aging that affect sexual function: vaginal atrophy, erectile changes, reduced lubrication, altered arousal timing - How chronic illness and common medications affect sexual functioning in later life - The continued importance of intimacy and emotional connection as the content of sexual expression shifts - How the end of reproductive concern can liberate sexual exploration for some older adults - The distinctive challenges faced by seniors who are dating or beginning new relationships in later life - How widowhood, disability, and care relationships intersect with sexuality and intimacy in the senior years - What healthcare providers often miss about senior sexual health and how to advocate for yourself or an older person in your care The course is organized as a systematic exploration of senior sexuality across physiological, psychological, relational, and cultural dimensions. Each topic is covered through a dedicated reading that presents accurate information and engages directly with common misconceptions. Reflection prompts invite both self-examination and examination of cultural assumptions. The content is educational and does not substitute for licensed medical care or geriatric health consultation. This course is designed for older adults who want accurate, affirming information about sexuality and intimacy in later life — as well as for their partners, family members, and the healthcare and care professionals who support them. No prior background in sexual health or gerontology is required. Readers will leave with a clear, evidence-grounded understanding of senior sexuality and a more affirming and accurate framework for their own or others' later-life intimate lives.