In This Story
For many Americans over 50, sex remains an important part of life, even as health challenges and shifting relationships reshape priorities. A new study led by Lucas Reyes Prieto, assistant professor of social work at George Mason University, examines how disability and other factors influence the importance of sex in later life.
Published in the Journal of Applied Gerontology, the study—co-authored by associate professor Gilbert Gimm and graduate student Claire Leonard—draws on data from a national survey of more than 4,300 midlife and older adults.
“We often separate conversations about disability from conversations about sexuality, but they’re connected,” said Prieto, assistant professor of social work at George Mason University. “Our research shows that daily living limitations do not erase sexual interest, but they can complicate it. Health providers should make sure discussions about sex take place regardless of a patient’s age or abilities.”
Key findings
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Midlife and older adults with three or more limitations in daily activities such as eating, bathing, or going to the bathroom were nearly half as likely to view sex as important compared with peers with no limitations.
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Men were three times more likely than women to say sex remains important.
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Those with a bachelor’s degree or higher were about twice as likely to prioritize sex compared with peers without a high school diploma.
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Black and Hispanic older adults were more likely than white peers to describe sex as important.
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Married respondents reported greater sexual importance than those who were divorced, widowed, or never married.
Looking ahead, Prieto and his colleagues advocate for more research on disability and intimacy, as well as more attention from health providers to the sexual well-being of older adults.
Read the full study here: Activities of Daily Living and Importance of Sex Among Midlife and Older Adults
About the researcher
Lucas Reyes Prieto is an assistant professor in the Department of Social Work. His research interests focus on aging, substance use, and sexual health among older adults. He is passionate about advancing discussions concerning substance use, health disparities, and sexual health among older populations.