‘That might be a bit sexy for somebody your age’: Older adult sexual health conversations in primary care

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Many older adults are sexually active, and STIs are rising amongst this cohort. In primary care, sexual health discussions are limited as health-care practitioners commonly assume older patients aged 60+ are not sexually active or are unwilling to discuss sex. Studies have either examined patient or clinician views, but not both. OBJECTIVE: This study investigates sexual health discussions in general practice. It is unique in that it sought perspectives of different groups: older patients, health-care professionals and key informants. RESULTS: Qualitative interviews revealed that older patients expect clinicians to bring up sexual concerns, whereas clinicians prefer older patients to do so. A simple electronic solution to circumvent this impasse was suggested and discussed. CONCLUSIONS: Older adults would like to discuss sexual concerns with their health-care providers. Given the rising rates of STIs in later life, sexual health discussions with older patients must become part of routine care.