Seniors today are more vital and thriving than ever before and want to learn more about a wide variety of topics, including elder sex. Many people mistakenly assume that once people reach a certain age, sex is no longer a consideration. This couldn't be further from the truth, but there are some issues specific to elder sex that should be looked at more closely.
Statistics on Elder Sex
In a report from the New York Times, a survey revealed that married seniors ages 60-to-64 regularly engage in sex. However, the statistics do show that those numbers lower dramatically for seniors as they get older. This may be partially due to the loss of a mate through death, or it could be due to decreased sexual function and desires as the body naturally ages.
Taboo Topic
Elder sex used to be a taboo topic, which no one wanted to discuss. As baby boomers have aged, however, the topic has become more accepted. Even television commercials now advertise medications to help people maintain sexual function into older adulthood.
People are also living longer statistically and are in better health than elderly decades in the past. This means the years a person is sexually active are longer as well.
Concerns
Although elder sex is still possible, there are some concerns that many older people have.
Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Sexually transmitted diseases are one of the more common infectious diseases that occur in the United States. Although the majority of cases affect people younger than 25, there are still a percentage of seniors that contract STDs. According to the Centers for Disease Control, around 26 percent of AIDs victims are over 55. The reason some seniors get STDs may be because their child-bearing years are past and they see little need for contraception or the use of condoms.
Sex Drive
After menopause, man women find they have to contend with a few concerns, such as vaginal dryness and decreased sex drive, and these factors may contribute to less elder sex. Some women easily treat the dryness with a lubricant made especially for this type of problem, such as KY Jelly or Astroglide. These lubricants can be purchased online or through any major retailer, such as Wal-Mart, Target, K-Mart, Meijer's, Walgreen's, CVS, Rite Aid and many grocery store chains.
Women experience decreased sex drive because of a drop in hormones. Often, hormone replacement therapy can help. Both sexes can have decreased sex drive if there are health concerns as well. High blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes and other diseases can leave a person feeling drained and too tired for intimate relations.
As we age, our bodies naturally change in proportion. Many people gain a few pounds. Body image can also cause some people to shy away from sex. If this is the case, take the time to read some self-help books and boost your self-confidence through outside activities. Do not compare yourself to others or unattainable model looks. Even the models don't look like models. Most of the images are altered and airbrushed.
Decreased Sexual Function
Occasionally, men experience diminished sexual function. However, there are medications on the market to help improve erectile dysfunction disorders. Both partners should be patient and understand that if the timing is not right, sex may have to wait for another day. Certain medications can cause impotence. The doctor may be able to prescribe an alternative medication that does not have this side effect.
How to Keep a Satisfying Sex Life
There are a few things you can do to keep your sex life satisfying far into your twilight years. Those who enjoy senior sex regularly share some or all of these traits:
- Regular exercise
- Healthy diet
- Active socially
- Work on the relationship, as many elders report that the emotions are of vital importance
- Not being in a hurry
- Trying alternatives to intercourse
- Seek medical help when necessary
As today's senior population continues to define elder sex, many of the myths that have been associated with sex and seniors have been discarded. Baby Boomers are redefining what it means to be over 55, and the new definition declares that today's senior is vital, sexy and ready to live life to the fullest.
