Exploring Sexual Expression, Intimacy Needs, and Barriers in Older Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Pansexual, and Queer individuals
A Qualitative Study
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 21460770 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Henrique Pereira (0000-0001-9448-682X, University of Beira Interior, corresponding author), Iara Teixeira (University of Minho), Guilherme Wendt (Universidade Estadual do Oeste do Paraná), Felipe Alckmin-Carvalho (0000-0002-0203-2650, University of Beira Interior) |
| Year | 2026 |
| Pages | 1640275261440824-1640275261440824 |
| Publication date | 2026-03-29 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Research on Aging (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 0164-0275 • E-ISSN: 1552-7573 |
| Publisher | SAGE Publications (PUBLISHER • US) |
| DOI | 10.1177/01640275261440824 |
| PMID | 41906545 |
| OpenAlex | W7143488575 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 24 |
Sexuality is a vital part of human life that continues into older adulthood, yet the experiences of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Pansexual, and Queer (LGBTPQ) elders remain largely overlooked in research and practice. This study examines how older LGBTPQ adults navigate sexual expression and intimacy while facing unique social and structural barriers. Using a qualitative approach, we conducted in-depth interviews with 40 participants living in Portugal, aged between 64 and 83 years (M = 70.33, SD = 3.87). Analysis revealed that intimacy in later life extends beyond sexual activity, encompassing emotional closeness, identity affirmation, and resilience in the face of stigma, ageism, and healthcare invisibility. Findings highlight both persistent barriers, such as discrimination in care settings, internalized shame, and social isolation, and sources of strength, including chosen families, alternative relationship structures, and positive redefinitions of intimacy with age. The study underscores the need for inclusive policies, culturally competent healthcare, and recognition of LGBTPQ elders as active agents of sexual and emotional well-being throughout the life course
Human sexuality · Older people · Psychological resilience · Qualitative analysis · Qualitative research · Queer · Sexual identity · LGBTQ Health, Identity, and Policy · Sexual function and dysfunction studies · Sexuality, Behavior, and Technology
Successful Aging Among LGBT Older Adults
A Comparison of HIV Stigma and Disclosure Patterns Between Older and Younger Adults Living with HIV/Aids
Minority stress theory
A systematic review of mental disorder, suicide, and deliberate self harm in lesbian, gay and bisexual people
The Languages of Sexuality
How do older people discuss their own sexuality? A systematic review of qualitative research studies
Loneliness, Social Support, and Adjustment to Aging in Older Portuguese Gay Men
Sexual Stigma and Mental Health of LGB Older Adults
The Experiences of Intimacy, Commitment and Passion Throughout Life
Historical and social forces in the Iridescent Life Course
Health Disparities Among Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Older Adults
Categories and their consequences
Using thematic analysis in psychology
The Life Course as Developmental Theory
Prejudice, social stress, and mental health in lesbian, gay, and bisexual populations
How important is sex in later life? The views of older people
| Citation velocity | historical |
|---|---|
| Highly cited | No |