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N Engl J Med August 2007 PMID 17715410

A study of sexuality and health among older adults in the United States.

Stacy Tessler Lindau, L Philip Schumm, Edward O Laumann, Wendy Levinson, Colm A O'Muircheartaigh, Linda J Waite

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Mentions

123
Peak: 3 in Sep 2023
across 6 sources since Oct 2019

Extended reach

9,199
potential audience

Total likes

9

Video views

6

Mentions per month

Oct 2019 – Sep 2025

Where it's discussed

  • News94 articles
  • Blogs16 articles
  • X / Twitter8 posts
  • YouTube2 videos
  • Facebook2 posts
  • Bluesky1 posts

AI synopsis

What people are saying

The discussions reflect agreement and high interest by emphasizing that sexual activity remains relevant for older adults, with references to studies showing ongoing activity and the low rates of medical communication about sex. The tone is informational and supportive, highlighting the need to address sexual health more openly within healthcare and social contexts.

AgreementModerate agreement

Most discussions acknowledge the importance of sexual health among older adults and support the study’s findings.

InterestHigh interest

The posts show a strong interest in the topic, highlighting stats and emphasizing its relevance.

EngagementModerate engagement

Some discussions delve into the significance of the research, referencing related studies and medical conversations.

ImpactModerate impact

While recognizing the importance of sexual health, the conversations suggest a moderate impact on awareness and clinical discussions.

Abstract in brief

  • The study found that sexual activity decreases with age among older adults in the US, with women being less likely than men to be sexually active at all age levels.
  • Many older adults experience sexual problems, such as low desire, lubrication issues, or erectile difficulties, but these issues are not often discussed with doctors.
  • Despite challenges, a significant portion of older adults remain sexually active, and some use medications or supplements to address sexual function, highlighting ongoing sexual health and activity in later life.]
Read the full abstract

Top posts

Most liked on X and Bluesky
UChicago Obstetrics and Gynecology Department
@uchicago_obgyn · X

Nearly 15 years after Dr. @stacylindau's landmark @NEJM study on sexuality & health among older adults, we are grateful to see that @nytimes has added several perspectives to the conversation. Read Dr. Lindau's 2007 study here: https://t.co/9aHTSZvFJx https://t.co/nGoxzuOuXQ

Jan 18, 2022 · 3 likes · 1,285 followers View post →
Sam Director
@sam_director_ · X

@TorButlerCole @NathanNobis Agreed with both previous comments. There’s empirical work on the sexual habits of the elderly which suggests that sex is important to them: https://t.co/bWqLCwD5SG

Jul 3, 2022 · 2 likes · 1,432 followers View post →
Luis Mendez
@MendezGeria · X

Hoy es el Día Mundial de la #SaludSexual ❗️Un dominio aún poco abordado en la salud integral de personas mayores > de la mitad (53%) de personas mayores entre 65-75 a refieren actividad sexual en el último año. DOI:10.1056/NEJMoa067423

Sep 4, 2023 · 2 likes · 2 shares · 841 followers View post →
Éric Maeker
@DrMaeker · X

Nov 12, 2024 · 2,608 followers View post →
Julio Augusto
@LnMendivil · X

RT @MendezGeria: Hoy es el Día Mundial de la #SaludSexual ❗️Un dominio aún poco abordado en la salud integral de personas mayores > de…

Sep 4, 2023 · 2 shares · 1,903 followers View post →
Arturo
@cardiogeriatra · X

RT @MendezGeria: Hoy es el Día Mundial de la #SaludSexual ❗️Un dominio aún poco abordado en la salud integral de personas mayores > de…

Sep 4, 2023 · 2 shares · 596 followers View post →

All mentions

Éric Maeker
@dr.maeker.fr · Bluesky

Nov 12, 2024 · 1 share View post →
Éric Maeker
@DrMaeker · X

Nov 12, 2024 · 2,608 followers View post →
Arturo
@cardiogeriatra · X

RT @MendezGeria: Hoy es el Día Mundial de la #SaludSexual ❗️Un dominio aún poco abordado en la salud integral de personas mayores > de…

Sep 4, 2023 · 2 shares · 596 followers View post →
Julio Augusto
@LnMendivil · X

RT @MendezGeria: Hoy es el Día Mundial de la #SaludSexual ❗️Un dominio aún poco abordado en la salud integral de personas mayores > de…

Sep 4, 2023 · 2 shares · 1,903 followers View post →
Luis Mendez
@MendezGeria · X

Hoy es el Día Mundial de la #SaludSexual ❗️Un dominio aún poco abordado en la salud integral de personas mayores > de la mitad (53%) de personas mayores entre 65-75 a refieren actividad sexual en el último año. DOI:10.1056/NEJMoa067423

Sep 4, 2023 · 2 likes · 2 shares · 841 followers View post →
Sukham.life
@sukham__life · X

Sexual health fact of the day! According to a study of Sexuality and Health among Older Adults in the United States,28% of Americans over age 45 report they had sexual intercourse once a week or more in the last six months,and 40% report having intercourse at least once a month.

Feb 10, 2023 · 6 followers View post →
Sam Director
@sam_director_ · X

@TorButlerCole @NathanNobis Agreed with both previous comments. There’s empirical work on the sexual habits of the elderly which suggests that sex is important to them: https://t.co/bWqLCwD5SG

Jul 3, 2022 · 2 likes · 1,432 followers View post →
UChicago Obstetrics and Gynecology Department
@uchicago_obgyn · X

Nearly 15 years after Dr. @stacylindau's landmark @NEJM study on sexuality & health among older adults, we are grateful to see that @nytimes has added several perspectives to the conversation. Read Dr. Lindau's 2007 study here: https://t.co/9aHTSZvFJx https://t.co/nGoxzuOuXQ

Jan 18, 2022 · 3 likes · 1,285 followers View post →
Neil Keshvani
@NeilKeshvani · X

Obtaining a sexual history is incredibly important. However, only 38% of men and 22% of women reported having discussed sex with physician after the age of 50, despite many older adults remaining sexually active. https://t.co/nj4Itn6m8u

Oct 7, 2019 · 509 followers View post →