Senior sexpert Joan Price talks about load about sex in our later years

We all know that older adults do not stop being sexually active just because they get older. But do we know why the idea persists that sex in later years is wrong, icky, or something that we shouldn’t talk about?

Social and cultural norms about older age and sex continue to shape people’s beliefs and behaviours. And they can be deeply embedded, which makes them hard to shift.

That is why I am delighted to receive the new edition of Naked at Our Age: Talking Out Loud about Senior Sex. It is the seminal work of author Joan Price, re-published with a facelift for its 15 year Anniversary. 

Many of you will be aware of Joan’s work. Describing herself as an “advocate for ageless sexuality”, Joan challenges the view that older adults are not sexually active, and by doing so, busts those outdated myths on the way. Her work provides insights into the sex lives of older adults, alongside practical tips on how to reclaim sexual pleasure and reignite the flame of desire.

Naked at Our Age offers inspiration for those who are concerned about the changes that age might bring to their sex lives. This is a very real fear I have come across in my research, when sexual problems are viewed as a normal part of getting older.

For those who are not familiar with Joan’s work, she writes openly and honestly about sexual activity, pleasure, and expression in older age. Here is an interview we did back in 2018.

The sexual landscape has changed in the past 15 years, and there is more recognition and visibility of the sexual relationships of older adults (think television programmes like Grace and Frankie that have helped bring older women’s sexuality into mainstream conversation).

But the book remains necessary due to ongoing sexual ageism. 

Bravo Joan, you truly are a ‘senior sexpert’.