Older LGBTQ Adults and Sexual Health

Purpose of review To summarize research on sexual health in older 2SLGBTQ + populations over the past 5 years, with the goal of highlighting the current state of knowledge, gaps in the literature, as well as focus on the unique challenges to sexual expression that 2SLGBTQ + older adults face in long-term care settings. Recent findings The limited research on this topic highlights a few key findings: overall, older 2SLGBTQ + adults have similar rates of sexual difficulties and continued sexual activity as their heterosexual counterparts; there are significant disparities in access to sexual health care as compared to heterosexual older adults; there are significant gaps in the literature with regards to older lesbian, trans, and non-binary folks’ sexual risk and sexual health needs; there are multiple concerns regarding sexual expression and autonomy for older 2SLGBTQ + adults entering retirement and long-term care. Summary There is a strong need for focused research on the sexual health of older 2SLGBTQ + adults.