Your sex life changes in later life, but sex can still be fun. In fact, it can boost your health and wellbeing.

Whether you’re back on the dating scene or in a long-term relationship, communication, consent and staying safe are key to a healthy sex life.

Growing older can affect sex, but this is normal. There are lots of reasons why sex changes and you might feel different from how you used to.

Your body confidence and sex drive might be lower than they used to be. You might have long-term health issues that affect your sex life, such as arthritis. Going through menopause means that some women find sex uncomfortable and have lower libido. And in later life, men are more likely to have problems with erectile dysfunction.  

There are changes you can make to help sex feel better and it’s always good to talk your GP about any health concerns. There’s no need to worry about speaking to them about sex. They’ve seen and heard it all before.

Getting older can be an exciting time sexually too. You might be back on the dating scene for the first time in years. Or you might simply feel more self-assured about your sexuality or gender. Read more about sharing your identity as lesbian, bisexual or gay, or as non-binary or trans. 

If you need advice and would like to talk to someone face-to-face, find out about our sexual health consultation service and sex therapy.

No matter your age, you can catch a sexually transmitted infection (STI). Research shows STIs are on the rise in older people.  You’re even more at risk if you have a new partner or if you’re having sex with a number of people. 

You can have an STI without any symptoms. That’s why it’s good to have STI tests and safer sex. This includes using condoms, which you can get for free from us.

Put your shyness to one side. Whether you’re newly single and dating again, or you’ve been with your partner for years, good communication is key. 

This means chatting about your concerns, desires and any physical issues. It also means actively hearing your partner and showing respect for what they say. 

Always be sure you’re happy to give consent  to what you’re doing, and that your partner is too. Never apply pressure, or allow yourself to be pressured by a partner into doing something you do not want to do.