#22: Dr. Renee Flores - Sex and Sexuality in the Elderly
Sex in the elder years
In today's episode, we look at sex and sexuality in the elderly. It is a common misconception that people are no longer sexually active as they grow older and Dr. Flores will be sharing her thoughts on this with us so enjoy the insights!
Is sex (and sexuality) common in the elderly?
Dr. Flores shares her findings that elderly people are still sexually active after 75. She reveals her statistics about masturbation even as they experience lifestyle changes.
Tune in to hear about what men and women experience sexually as their bodies and needs change. She shares ways to work with changing sexual needs as people get older.
With the flood of sexual stereotypes being sown in society, Dr. Flores points out the unrealistic expectations this creates for both young and old alike and highlights the reality that the elderly still have a sexual appetite and need despite what is commonly believed.
Join in to hear what some of Dr. Flores’s findings are with sexually transmitted diseases and their frequency among the elderly, this may surprise you!
Privacy challenges for older people in nursing homes
The question of privacy in nursing homes is brought up. Dr. Flores tackles this candidly with a few interesting examples of why this is a problem. In her examples, dementia and Alzheimers come up and a few key issues are raised.
She believes that individual homes are slowly moving in the direction of revisiting policies so that the elderly can someday freely engage in consensual sex but it is not being addressed on a national level.
The fine line between protection and freedom for the elderly is brought up within this discussion so you can examine the challenges brought up with and without privacy.
Some advice from Dr. Flores is to find out what nursing facilities policies are around sexuality to ensure that you choose the right one for your loved one.
About Dr. Flores
Renee Flores, M.D., is a board-certified physician in the field of geriatrics and internal medicine with 10 years of clinical experience. She provides comprehensive care for primarily older adults, as well as internal medicine patients.
Recognizing that sexual health and emotional health are a salient part of comprehensive health care, she has expanded her role as an educator and sexuality and intimacy counselor. She works in collaboration with patients to address sexual desire, pain, performance, intimacy and relationship challenges.
Dr. Flores’ work includes clinical interaction, individual and couples counseling, as well as education. She is actively involved in teaching medical students, residents, physicians, and people in the community. She is devoted to life-long learning and has an endless passion to continue education and training in the field of sexual health medicine.
How to reach Dr. Flores
Visit her at her Sexual Health clinic in Texas or Houston and
More info:
Web -
Sex Health Quiz -
If you’re enjoying the podcast and want to be a part of making sure it continues in the future, consider being a patron. With a small monthly pledge, you can support the costs of putting this show together. For as little as $2 per month, you can get advance access to each episode. For just a bit more, you will receive an advance copy of a chapter of my new book. And for $10 per month, you get all that plus an invitation to an online Q&A chat with me once a quarter. Learn more at
Better Sex with Jessa Zimmerman
#22: Dr. Renee Flores - Sex and Sexuality in the Elderly
Sex in the elder years
In today's episode, we look at sex and sexuality in the elderly. It is a common misconception that people are no longer sexually active as they grow older and Dr. Flores will be sharing her thoughts on this with us so enjoy the insights!
Is sex (and sexuality) common in the elderly?
Dr. Flores shares her findings that elderly people are still sexually active after 75. She reveals her statistics about masturbation even as they experience lifestyle changes.
Tune in to hear about what men and women experience sexually as their bodies and needs change. She shares ways to work with changing sexual needs as people get older.
With the flood of sexual stereotypes being sown in society, Dr. Flores points out the unrealistic expectations this creates for both young and old alike and highlights the reality that the elderly still have a sexual appetite and need despite what is commonly believed.
Join in to hear what some of Dr. Flores’s findings are with sexually transmitted diseases and their frequency among the elderly, this may surprise you!
Privacy challenges for older people in nursing homes
The question of privacy in nursing homes is brought up. Dr. Flores tackles this candidly with a few interesting examples of why this is a problem. In her examples, dementia and Alzheimers come up and a few key issues are raised.
She believes that individual homes are slowly moving in the direction of revisiting policies so that the elderly can someday freely engage in consensual sex but it is not being addressed on a national level.
The fine line between protection and freedom for the elderly is brought up within this discussion so you can examine the challenges brought up with and without privacy.
Some advice from Dr. Flores is to find out what nursing facilities policies are around sexuality to ensure that you choose the right one for your loved one.
About Dr. Flores
Renee Flores, M.D., is a board-certified physician in the field of geriatrics and internal medicine with 10 years of clinical experience. She provides comprehensive care for primarily older adults, as well as internal medicine patients.
Recognizing that sexual health and emotional health are a salient part of comprehensive health care, she has expanded her role as an educator and sexuality and intimacy counselor. She works in collaboration with patients to address sexual desire, pain, performance, intimacy and relationship challenges.
Dr. Flores’ work includes clinical interaction, individual and couples counseling, as well as education. She is actively involved in teaching medical students, residents, physicians, and people in the community. She is devoted to life-long learning and has an endless passion to continue education and training in the field of sexual health medicine.
How to reach Dr. Flores
Visit her at her Sexual Health clinic in Texas or Houston and
More info:
Web -
Sex Health Quiz -
If you’re enjoying the podcast and want to be a part of making sure it continues in the future, consider being a patron. With a small monthly pledge, you can support the costs of putting this show together. For as little as $2 per month, you can get advance access to each episode. For just a bit more, you will receive an advance copy of a chapter of my new book. And for $10 per month, you get all that plus an invitation to an online Q&A chat with me once a quarter. Learn more at
Better Sex with Jessa Zimmerman