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Changes in Older Adults' Sexual Expression: A Latent Transition Analysis
Heidi A Lyons1, David F Warner2,3
1Department of Sociology, Anthropology, Social Work, and Criminal Justice, Oakland University Rochester.
Journal of Sex Research
|August 27, 2025
Summary
Older adults exhibit diverse sexual expression patterns, with some maintaining activity and others experiencing changes over time. These patterns vary by partnership status and gender, influenced by health.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Sociology of Aging
- Sexual Health
Background:
- Sexual activity and expression are common among older adults.
- Longitudinal changes in sexual expression over time are not well understood.
- Heterosexual older adults' sexual behaviors, desires, and motivations are complex.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the longitudinal changes in sexual expression among older adults.
- To identify distinct latent statuses of sexual expression in partnered and unpartnered older adults.
- To examine the influence of gender and health on these transitions.
Main Methods:
- Utilized longitudinal data from the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project (NSHAP).
- Included 2,245 partnered and unpartnered heterosexual older adults aged 57-85.
- Employed Latent Transition Analysis to model changes in sexual expression statuses over time.
Main Results:
- Identified six sexual expression statuses: versatile, traditionalist, frustrated, resigned inactive (partnered); longing, disinterested (unpartnered).
- Observed both stability and change in sexual expression, with stability more common in low-activity statuses.
- Found gender differences in status distribution and health changes predicting transitions in men but not women.
Conclusions:
- Older adults' sexual expression is heterogeneous and dynamic, not universally declining.
- Distinct patterns of sexual expression persist and evolve throughout later life.
- Understanding these diverse trajectories is crucial for sexual health in aging populations.
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