Healthier people are more likely to be sexually active as they get older, says this examination of two American studies on aging.

However, almost half of older, sexually active adults have at least one “bothersome” sexual problem and one-third report two problems. Physicians rarely address sexual concerns in older adults—particularly in women.

The reason physicians talk to men more is simple. There are drugs for erectile dysfunction as anyone who sees TV ads knows. Women do not have a “drug” and their needs, then, tend to not get addressed.

Among the purposes of this study are to better inform many kinds of policy and resource decisions about population-based treatment but what it tells patients is that there is less physician advice about this important subject than patients want and need. Since health benefits are associated with continuing sexual activity, this is important.

In the short term, this study is saying that older patients—especially women—do not get help from physicians. The best bet for patients who want the best advice available now is to check academic medical centers. This is where geriatric research is being done. These centers are more likely to have dedicated clinics for specific problems or specialists whose research interests match your problem.

This is one of the reasons the Internet is a useful patient tool. Check out resources in teaching hospitals available to you.

British Medical Journal

…”Human sexuality is increasingly recognised by doctors and policymakers as an important aspect of health and quality of life throughout the life course. Sexual activity has been associated with health benefits and longevity. Recent data from the US national social life, health and aging project (NSHAP) indicate that more than half of people aged 57-85 and about a third of those aged 75-85 are sexually active and that physical health is significantly correlated with sexual activity and many aspects of sexual function, independent of age. Since 2000, a focus on sexuality in older adults has been heavily driven by the availability of drugs to treat male erectile dysfunction. Effective treatment of this condition is likely to extend the duration of sexually active life for men and their partners as they age. Problems with sexual functioning are prevalent among older adults in the United States and other countries. About half of all sexually active men and women aged 57-85 in the United States report at least one bothersome sexual problem; one third report at least two. Yet doctors rarely address sexual concerns in older adults, particularly in women. “ (Emphasis added)

“…expectations about the duration of sexually active life may influence important health behaviours. For example, patients may be motivated to stop smoking or to adhere to drug regimens if the behaviour changes are expected to prolong or preserve a sexually active or sexually satisfying life.”

Citation: BMJ 2010;340:c810, March 9, 2010