Internalized ageism and late-life sexual health: gendered sexual meanings and a self-esteem–anxiety pathway to sexual dysfunction/distress

Key Points

• The aim is to explore how internalized ageism and gender affect sexual health in older adults.
• Developed an integrative framework for understanding gender-specific interpretations of sexuality.
• Analyzed pathways linking ageist beliefs to sexual health outcomes.
• Identified psychological factors like self-esteem and anxiety as mediators.
• Highlighted distinct pathways for men and women regarding ageism's impact on sexual health.
• Found a link between internalized ageism and increased sexual dysfunction and distress.
• Suggested that addressing psychological harms can improve sexual health outcomes.

Abstract