Welcome to S-Street
Sex Education for Seniors
What is S-Street?
- A concise, fact-based introduction to many of the sexual/intimacy issues you didn’t know that you didn’t know.
- A tasty appetizer to whet your appetite for more. More talking, more exploration, more pleasure, more self-discovery and more self-advocacy. To consider what’s good, what’s not-so-good and what you want to change about your sex life.
- A no-cost guide from a licensed, seasoned therapist and PhD in Clinical Sexology to share and discuss with partners, friends, family and your health care team – shame begone!
Did You Know?
A 2022 national survey by the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) found that most older adults are having regular sexual intercourse. More than half (52%) of those 50 and older said they’d had sex in the week before the survey, and 25% of those in this age group said they typically have sex once a week. This included 17% of respondents who were 70 or older.
A similar survey by the University of Michigan also done in 2022 found that that 53% of women ages 50–64 and 30% of women ages 65–80 reported sexual activity including caressing, foreplay, masturbation, or intercourse.
CONSENT IS KEY. It cannot be overstated: initial and ongoing consent is required from both or all parties when engaging in sexual activity. Consent must be freely given, from a person able to give consent (i.e. over 18, conscious, not under effects of any substances), and it can be revoked at ANY time. For more information, review the page on the topic of consent and safety.
Topics We'll Cover
Aging
Info on ageism, the myths surrounding aging and sex, general info about the aging population, and what "healthy aging" means.
Starting the Conversation
Understand why we don't often talk about sex, and get tips for talking to both your doctor and your partner(s).
Safety
The importance of consent, what "red flags" and "green flags" to look for in your relationships, and the issue of elder abuse.
Benefits and Exploration
Why sex is good for us, desire and pleasure, ways to get in the mood, information on kink and BDSM, plus a quiz testing your knowledge about sex toys.
Dating
Info and safety tips for online dating, plus an explanation on newer types of relationships.
Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI)
A helpful list of terms and information on both of these topics.
Health
Different types of doctors, causes of low libido, and information on GSM, ED, and menopause.
Further Reading Suggestions
A curated list of the site author's recommended sources, as well as a list of sources for the information available on this site.
Each topic page has reflection questions at the end, for you to think or journal about, as well as a list of relevant defined terms. There are also listed resources for a “deeper dive” into each topic. Additional books and resources are listed separately, along with academic journal articles (for those so inclined).
Important Note: No content on this site should be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor.
How to Start the Conversation
Talking with Your Partner
Learn how to get the conversation going with your partner (or partners) to improve and strengthen your relationship. See example questions and ideas to break the ice. Plus, check out a few recommendations to get in the mood!
Talking with Your Doctor
Discussing sex with your doctor can be difficult for a variety of reasons, but it's so important! Sexual health can be a great indicator of overall health. See example questions and tips on how to bring up the topic with your doctor.
Learn and Explore
Aging
New Types of Relationships
It may seem unthinkable to some, but monogamy isn't the only option for relationships! Learn more about non-monogamous relationship types and a little about how they work.
Low Libido: Possible Causes
Plenty of things can cause low libido: from medications, to stress and life events, to medical conditions, and more. Learn about these causes, and then consider talking with your doctor and/or your partner(s).
Online Dating
Online dating can be a fun, exciting, and convenient way to find a partner (whether long term or casual), but it's important to remember to take precautions. Learn more about how to stay safe in online dating.
Kink and BDSM
Kink and BDSM can feel like a taboo topic, but it's not as scary as it may seem! With a focus on consent and safety, kink and BDSM can be a fulfilling experience for interested relationships.
Take the Sex Toy Quiz!
Think you can match each description to the right sex toy? Give it try!
New Types of Relationships
It may seem unthinkable to some, but monogamy isn't the only option for relationships! Learn more about non-monogamous relationship types and a little about how they work.
Low Libido: Possible Causes
Plenty of things can cause low libido: from medications, to stress and life events, to medical conditions, and more. Learn about these causes, and then consider talking with your doctor and/or your partner(s).
Online Dating
Online dating can be a fun, exciting, and convenient way to find a partner (whether long term or casual), but it's important to remember to take precautions. Learn more about how to stay safe in online dating.
Kink and BDSM
Kink and BDSM can feel like a taboo topic, but it's not as scary as it may seem! With a focus on consent and safety, kink and BDSM can be a fulfilling experience for interested relationships.
Take the Sex Toy Quiz!
Think you can match each description to the right sex toy? Give it try!
Resources and Further Reading
Healthy Sexuality Resources
There's endless wonderful resources out there to help you understand sexuality (including this site)! S-Street has compiled a sizeable list that provides additional healthy, accurate information on sexuality and sexual wellness.
Academic References
Dig deeper into topics with this list of informational sources. Includes articles, books, academic papers, and more.
Questions? Comments? Let's Talk!
Fill out the form below to send a message to Diane Postell, creator of S-Street. Your information will not be shared with any third parties. The information you provide is used strictly for contact purposes. If applicable, you will receive a response from Diane shortly at the contact method you indicated in the form.