Document Type

Book Chapter

Publication Date

4-25-2025

Keywords

aging, assisted living facilities, cognitive impairment, relationship satisfaction, sexual activity, well-being

Disciplines

Developmental Psychology

Abstract

As the body ages, some physical changes may hinder a person’s ability to engage in sexual activity. Menopause can occur between the ages of 40 and 65 and a woman’s estrogen levels will decline because she is no longer experiencing menstruation. Her internal sexual organs may decrease in size or even be removed via hysterectomy. The woman’s vagina generally becomes shorter and narrower, and the vaginal walls thin and stiffen. Often less vaginal lubrication is produced making vaginal sex more difficult and possibly painful. There are no noticeable changes that occur to the clitoris, but decreased blood circulation due to aging may affect the sensitivity of the clitoris and labia during sexual arousal.

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