Source: French to English Tester Published on: 2026-04-28
Source: The Conversation – in French– By Isabelle Wallach, Professor of Sexology, University of Quebec in Montreal (UQAM)
The baby boomer generation lives their sexuality freely, without taboos. But ageist norms persist
Boomers are reducing the taboo associated with the sexuality of the elderly. However, there is still a long way to go for the elderly to enjoy a fulfilled sex life.
Baby boomers broke many taboos and revolutionized customs, especially sexual ones. As the men and women of this generation age, is society’s view on the sexuality of seniors changing? Two studies confirm that yes, even though some taboos persist.
Long taboo, the sexuality of the elderly is gaining visibility in Western societies and their media. A specialist in sexuality in the context of aging, I have been working on this subject for nearly fifteen years and I observe an evolution of interest in this topic. This is explained by the massive presence of baby boomers within the elderly population, and the greater comfort of this generation with sexuality.
This apparent openness, both in society and in the sexual mores of the baby boomers, could conceal the more insidious effects of ageism on the possibilities of living a fulfilling sexuality at an advanced age.
This article is part of our series The Grey Revolution.La Conversation invites you to analyze from all angles the impact of the aging of the imposing cohort of boomers on our society. Ways of housing, working, consuming culture, eating, traveling, being cared for, living… discover with us the ongoing and upcoming upheavals.
A more open and permissive sexuality
The baby boomers were witnesses and actors of major social and cultural changes in the intimate sphere, following the movements for women’s and sexual minorities’ rights and thesexual revolutionwhich marked the 1960s and 1970s.
Whereas previous generations thought that sexuality should be experienced within the framework of a heterosexual marital relationship, centered on penetration and aimed at procreation, the baby boomers forged new sexual values. Sexuality became an experience that could be lived outside the marital context and heterosexuality, with the objective of pleasure.
(Unsplash),CC BY-NC-SA
These major transformations have had long-term effects: studies comparing the sexual behaviors and attitudes of elders from different generations show that those from the baby boomgives more importance to sexualityand ismore permissive than those that preceded it.
The performance obligation, an unprecedented pressure on seniors
To better understand the new relationship of seniors with sexuality, one must take into account the influence ofsuccessful aging movement, also called “aging well” in Quebec and translated from Englishsuccessful aging.
In trying to combat ageism and encourage active aging, this movement has spread new norms in the intimate sphere, which have notably manifested themselves through the marketing of erectile stimulants (such as Viagra) and the development of the anti-aging product industry.
Far from being without impact, these new standards related to sexuality at advanced ages exert unprecedented pressure on the elderly. For while their right to live a sexuality is increasingly recognized, it is also accompanied by aimplied duty of performanceand of arelentless fight to maintain a young and attractive body.
A disguised ageism
Such injunctions can be considered a form of disguised ageism: the sexuality of the elderly is now encouraged, but it only has value if it conforms to youth standards. The recognition of the right to the sexuality of the elderly is moreover subject to a double standard: thewomen experience more ageism than men in the field of seduction.
Baby boomers could therefore face tensions between an open vision of sexuality inherited from their youth and ageist sexual norms. But do these norms really manifest in the sexual experience of the elderly, and if so, in what ways?
In order to provide some elements of response to this question, here are the results drawn from two research projects that I conducted in Quebec.
The sexual experience of men: between freedom and ageist pressure
The first project concerns the sexual life of older men who have already used a pharmaceutical erectile stimulant, such as Viagra. It is based on individual interviews with 27 men aged 65 to 84, heterosexual and gay.
This study first highlights a great diversity in men’s sexual experiences andtheir way of expressing their sexuality. Thus, while some mention a sexual expression centered on connection and tenderness, others describe sexuality focused on genital practices solo or with a partner. Several participants also report engaging in liberal sexual practices, such as the use of pornography or BDSM.
Liberal sexual practices are more frequent among gay men, but placing greater importance on intimacy as one ages is observed equally among heterosexual and gay participants.
With regard tothe use of erectile stimulants, two attitudes predominate. A certain number of participants use them with the goal of exploring their sexuality and increasing pleasure. Others resort to them with the intention of restoring their erectile capacities, which they consider symbols of masculinity and youth.
This desire to maintain a well-functioning sex life can be a source of negative emotions in situations where medications are ineffective or do not provide the expected results. Finally, for gay men, the use of erectile stimulants can be a way to combat the ageism that is markedly prevalent within their community.
Women’s sexuality: between taboo and benefits
The project on the sexuality of older women that I am currently carrying out in collaboration with other female researchers and in partnership with Women’s Centers in Quebec is based on a dual data collection method: individual interviews and photovoice.
Among the 22 participants aged 60 and over, half took part in the photovoice. Two groups were formed, one composed of heterosexual women and the other of lesbians. Each group collectively decided on 6 to 8 themes related to sexuality on which photographs would be taken. Every two weeks, the participants were invited to take photos individually and then share them with the group.
(Unsplash),CC BY-NC-ND
Four group meetings were devoted to the presentation of these photos and to exchanges among the participants on the issues that emerged. Some of these photos were broadcastin the form of a digital exhibitionin order to raise public awareness about the issues experienced by older women related to sexuality.
The preliminary data analyses allow for several observations. Firstly, older women lack spaces that allow them to talk about sexuality. They say that it is essential to break the silence surrounding this subject.
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The influence of conservative religious sexual values that marked their youth has sometimes left traces, whether through the denial of their right to desire and pleasure or, for lesbian participants, through experiences of lesbophobia.
Finally, several women mentioned the negative impact of ageist beauty standards on their feeling of being desirable and their ability to find an intimate partner.
However, despite these challenges, most of the participants reported an active sex life, an openness to exploring new practices at an advanced age, and the physical as well as psychological benefits they derive from their sexual activities with a partner or solo.
The baby boomer generation undoubtedly helps reduce the taboo associated with the sexuality of the elderly. However, there is still work to be done so that these men and women can enjoy a fulfilling sex life, free from ageist norms and the effects of the historical context of their youth.
Isabelle Wallach received funding from the Fonds de recherche du Québec – Société et Culture.
–ref. The boomer generation lives their sexuality freely, without taboos. But ageist norms persist –https://theconversation.com/the-boomer-generation-lives-its-sexuality-freely-without-taboo-but-ageist-norms-persist-249688