A 6-week holistic sexuality education program improved sexual knowledge, positively reinforced sexual self-efficacy, and significantly decreased anxiety related to sexual communication and overall sexual health among adults aged 50 and older.
Participants demonstrated improved sexual knowledge following the 6-week holistic sexuality education program.
Participation in the sexuality education program positively reinforced sexual self-efficacy among older adult participants.
The holistic sexuality education program significantly decreased anxiety related to sexual communication, sexual issues, and overall sexual health.
A structured, age-inclusive sexual health education program supports confidence, communication, and overall well-being in later life.
This research suggests that a structured 6-week educational program focused on sexuality and aging can meaningfully benefit older adults. Twenty-three participants aged 50 and older took part in one of three sexuality education courses. Before and after the program, participants completed standardized questionnaires measuring their knowledge about sexuality in aging, their attitudes, and their sense of confidence and comfort (self-efficacy) around sexual health topics. The results showed that after completing the program, participants knew more about sexuality and aging, felt more confident, and reported significantly less anxiety about discussing sexual topics and managing sexual health concerns. The study used both survey data and focus group discussions to capture participants' experiences, providing a fuller picture of how the program affected them. The reduction in anxiety around sexual communication is a particularly notable finding, as many older adults report discomfort discussing sexual health with partners or healthcare providers. This research suggests that providing older adults with a safe, structured environment to learn about and discuss sexuality can reduce that discomfort and build confidence. The practical implication of this work is that age-inclusive sexuality education programs could be a valuable tool for nurses and other healthcare providers working with older populations. Rather than avoiding the topic of sexuality in later life, this research suggests that proactively offering educational opportunities may improve older adults' overall well-being and their ability to communicate about an important aspect of health that is often overlooked in this age group.
Diggle-Fox B, Hrelic D, Neal A, Kleman C. (2025). Sexuality in Age: Enhancing Patient-Centered Nursing Care Through Holistic Educational Approaches.. Journal of gerontological nursing. https://doi.org/10.3928/00989134-20251208-02