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Older LGBTQ Adults and Sexual Health

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Abstract

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.

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References

Papers of particular interest, published recently, have been highlighted as: • Of importance

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Psychology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada

    Alexandra Grady

  2. Department of Family Relations and Applied Nutrition, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada

    Tuuli M. Kukkonen

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Correspondence to Tuuli M. Kukkonen.

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Grady, A., Kukkonen, T.M. Older LGBTQ Adults and Sexual Health. Curr Sex Health Rep 15, 196–202 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11930-023-00370-1

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