“The Shop is Not Closed”: Sex and Sexuality Among Older Adult Daters
Lauren Harris, Celia Melanson

TL;DR
This study explores how older adults navigate dating and maintain sexual desire despite aging-related challenges and stereotypes.
Contribution
It provides new insights into the sexual experiences and expectations of single older adults in the dating market.
Findings
Older adults continue to value sexual intimacy despite physical and emotional challenges of aging.
Participants adjust their expectations to accommodate changes in sexual function.
The study challenges stereotypes about aging and sexuality.
Abstract
There is a common myth that older adults are not sexual people, either from a lack of desire or ability. This study focuses on the experiences of single older adults on the dating market to understand the role of sexual desire and expectation for a population often assumed to be uninterested in or incapable of sexual activity. Previous research has largely focused on younger or partnered individuals, leaving the experiences of single older adults under-explored. Through this study, we seek to understand the desires, preferences, and challenges faced by single older adults who are seeking romantic and sexual relationships. It investigates how factors such as sexual dysfunction, stereotypes about aging bodies, and limited opportunities for finding sexual partners impact their willingness to pursue and their expectations of intimacy. Results indicate that, despite physical and emotional…
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Taxonomy
TopicsEvolutionary Psychology and Human Behavior · Sexual function and dysfunction studies · Sexuality, Behavior, and Technology
