Background

The UK’s population is ageing; men and women today live longer and reach older age in better health. New stages of the later life course are emerging when sexual expression is increasingly recognised as important in maintaining relationships, promoting self-esteem and contributing to health and wellbeing. Social attitudes have changed towards sex in later life.

The public health issues tying in with these trends need to be identified and documented to inform England’s upcoming sexual and reproductive health action plan.

Aims and objectives

To provide an overview of existing evidence on sexual health needs and sexual health promotion in later life.

Resources and further information

• Summary briefing: Promoting sexual health in older adults: integrated summary of findings (PDF)
• Webinar recording: Sexual health and HIV in older adults (YouTube)
• Publication: Promoting sexual health in older adults: Findings from two rapid reviews (Maturitas)
• Presentation: Promoting sexual health and wellbeing in older adults: findings from two rapid reviews (PDF)
• Presentation: Sexual health and general health among older adults: an integrated approach (PDF)

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