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Age significantly influences older adults’ perspectives of love and sexuality. The frame of proof concerning sexual well-being (SWB) of older adults is starting to increase. Older adults experience love, sexual desire, and engage in sexual activities, although, our understanding of their SWB is still insufficient and often not consensual. Additionally, up to date, cultural aspects are lacking in the literature. SWB corresponds to an emotional and cognitive evaluation of an individual’s sexual life, and is positively related with physical and mental health, well-being, psychological growth, and successful aging. Current literature focuses on sexual dysfunctions and difficulties; however, SWB includes sexual satisfaction, sexual functioning, sexual interest, self-esteem, intimate satisfaction, and psychosexual variables. Different factors may influence SWB and contribute to sexual unwellness (SU), such as physical and mental health, psychological variables, culture, daily stress, relationship quality and duration, intercourse difficulties, general sexual dysfunctions, and sexual communication. Policy and intervention programs, which comprise love and SWB dimensions, concerns and cultural aspects, may contribute to the health and well-being of older individuals and to understanding the needs of older dyads. The present chapter discusses SWB within the context of love and intimacy in old age, including an empirical exploration of SWB, comprising pertinent research, policy programs and interventions. Given that love and SWB may contribute to successful aging, and that older adults may try to explore relationship issues and sexual problems, but not obtain adequate attention, it is pertinent to improve our knowledge and to analyze love and SWB in old age in depth in order to elaborate future tailored policies and interventions with older populations. Moreover, since old people in different cultures hold diverse meanings for their love relationships and sexual experiences, specific knowledge about love and SWB is essential for planning culture-adapted interventions in old age. The chapter will conclude with a discussion of the limitations and future perspectives for research and interventions.

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Sexuality, Love, and Sexual Well-Being in Old Age

  • 工具书词条

  • 发表日期：

    2025年

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  • Sofia von Humboldt,
  • Isabel Leal,
  • Gail Low

摘要

Age significantly influences older adults’ perspectives of love and sexuality. The frame of proof concerning sexual well-being (SWB) of older adults is starting to increase. Older adults experience love, sexual desire, and engage in sexual activities, although, our understanding of their SWB is still insufficient and often not consensual. Additionally, up to date, cultural aspects are lacking in the literature. SWB corresponds to an emotional and cognitive evaluation of an individual’s sexual life, and is positively related with physical and mental health, well-being, psychological growth, and successful aging. Current literature focuses on sexual dysfunctions and difficulties; however, SWB includes sexual satisfaction, sexual functioning, sexual interest, self-esteem, intimate satisfaction, and psychosexual variables. Different factors may influence SWB and contribute to sexual unwellness (SU), such as physical and mental health, psychological variables, culture, daily stress, relationship quality and duration, intercourse difficulties, general sexual dysfunctions, and sexual communication. Policy and intervention programs, which comprise love and SWB dimensions, concerns and cultural aspects, may contribute to the health and well-being of older individuals and to understanding the needs of older dyads. The present chapter discusses SWB within the context of love and intimacy in old age, including an empirical exploration of SWB, comprising pertinent research, policy programs and interventions. Given that love and SWB may contribute to successful aging, and that older adults may try to explore relationship issues and sexual problems, but not obtain adequate attention, it is pertinent to improve our knowledge and to analyze love and SWB in old age in depth in order to elaborate future tailored policies and interventions with older populations. Moreover, since old people in different cultures hold diverse meanings for their love relationships and sexual experiences, specific knowledge about love and SWB is essential for planning culture-adapted interventions in old age. The chapter will conclude with a discussion of the limitations and future perspectives for research and interventions.