No sex please! We're over 50

Abstract

Sexual health as a concept, particularly for the over 50s, is not seen as sexy. A large proportion of policy and subsequent resources are directed at young people, specifically around sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and preventing teenage pregnancy. Consequently, the sexual health needs of the over 50s are marginalised at best or at worst completely forgotten. This article describes the process behind developing a sexual health promotion campaign aimed at the over 50s in Manchester.

Improving the sexual lives of older Australians: Perspectives from a qualitative study

“…Recent research indicates that residential aged care facility staff do not always support the consensual sexual expression of residents, with some labelling such expression as ‘inappropriate’ and believing that sex is of little interest to residents . Facilities also tend to lack appropriate policy and practice tools regarding sexual needs and expression , and older cohorts are currently largely ignored in government policy, practice guidelines and education on sex and sexual health .…”