In the United States today, individuals over age 65 represent about 13% of the population, or approximately 31 million Americans. By the year 2020, the older adult population is expected to increase to more than 54 million people. By 2050, this demographic is expected to double in size to 79 million people. The diversity of the aging population is increasing in terms of race and ethnicity, economic status, level of education, gender, and marital status (Administration on Aging, 2013; U.S. Bureau of the Census, 2011). With such dramatic shifts in demographics, and an increase in society’s openness to sexuality, the need to understand the role of sexuality in aging is apparent (Hillman, 2012).
Sexuality has three basic components, regardless of age. The biological component involves an individual’s inherited potential, limitations, and their physiological makeup. The psychological component includes personality, attitudes, values, perceptions, and emotions surrounding sexuality. Finally, the cultural component address where and how sexuality is learned and integrated into the broader cultural context (Bolin & Whelehan, 2009).
Sexual expression is a fundamental aspect of all individuals, no matter what age, gender, or sexual orientation they may be. While many people do not associate sexuality with older adults, love and intimacy are necessary and important throughout an individual’s entire life. The subject of sexuality in older adults is often filled with social myths that seem to deny a sense of sexuality. The literature on sexuality and aging indicates that while frequency of sexual activity may show some decline with advanced age, there is no clear age-related ending to sexual behavior (Lindau, et al., 2007).
Older adults are a diverse population and engage in a variety of sexual behaviors, including various long-term, short-term, and traditional and non-traditional relationships. Older adults engage in numerous activities, such as dating, cohabitation, affairs, having protected and unprotected sex, sexual abuse, masturbation, and abstinence. Adults who are newly divorced, widowed, or have a long-term relationship that ended may find themselves in new relationships through the Internet and other types of social media. While there may be some differences, aging adults engage in many of the same sexual behaviors as their younger counterparts (Hillman, 2012).