The sexuality and sexual health of LGBT elders

Sexuality and sexual health represent lifelong needs that cut across sexual orientation, gender identity, and age. The goal of this chapter is to celebrate and address the diversity of sexuality and sexual health among older lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) adults. Key concepts including sexuality, sexual health, and older adulthood are defi ned, and age-normative changes and common forms of sexual dysfunction (e.g., vaginal dryness and erectile dysfunction) are identifi ed. Their experience with health disparities are also addressed, including a lack of insurance coverage, insuffi cient numbers of culturally competent providers, and negative experiences with health care providers. Attention also will be given to LGBT elders' unique risk factors for HIV/AIDS, breast, cervical, prostate, and anal cancers. The chapter concludes with LGBT-affi rming recommendations for both public policy and care providers.