HealthInfo Waitaha Canterbury
Sex & intimacy in older people
Aitanga me kauawhiawhitanga ki ngā pēperekōu
We are born with a need for intimacy and this doesn't change as we get older. Being touched, both physically and emotionally, helps to make us feel whole. Some people assume that sexuality reduces as people get older. But this isn't necessarily the case.
Hormonal changes, illness, physical disability or medication side effects may create challenges. But the effects of these can be reduced with the right information and support. The following links provide information about maintaining sexuality and intimacy as you get older.
HealthInfo recommends the following pages
- Agewell New Zealand – Intimacy and sexuality
Agewell New Zealand promotes health and wellbeing for older people in New Zealand. This page has links to helpful resources.
- American Psychological Association – Aging and human sexuality resource guide
This page has information about sexuality in older people and suggestions for helpful resources.
Written by HealthInfo clinical advisers. Last reviewed October 2022.
SourcesReview key: HISOA-238245
