Episode 25 - Stacy Tessler Lindau, MD: Woman’s Sexuality

Stacy Tessler Lindau, MD, MAPP, Assistant Professor Obstetrics and Gynecology and Medicine-Geriatrics at the University of Chicago.  Dr. Lindau is one of the fastest rising young stars in the field of aging research. In this show we find out how Third Agers’ social networks contribute to their longevity and health.  What kind of diseases women face as they age.  How sexually active people are as they age.  And how you can best stay healthy.

Dr. Lindau's research and clinical work focuses on health of women throughout the life course. Her teaching and mentoring efforts emphasize geriatrics education and research predominantly in the areas of ethics, sexual health, and primary care of older women. She is also working on several projects aimed to advance the health and life quality of older women and women living with chronic illness.

Some of the research she discusses:

The percentage of those surveyed who said they were sexually active declined with age: 73% of the 57-64 age group reported they were sexually active, compared with 53% of the 65-74 age group and 26% of the 75-85 age group.

Older women were less likely to report being sexually active than older men, and were less likely to be in intimate relationships. But women, also, were more than twice as likely to be widowed as men. Here's the breakdown:

-Ages 57-64: 62% of women and 84% of men reported sexual activity in the last year
-Ages 65-74: 40% of women and 67% of men reported sexual activity in the last year
-Ages 75-85: 16% percent of women and 38% of men reported sexual activity in the last year

Don’t miss this fascinating discussion.