Despite the sex-phobic stereotypes, intimacy is a natural part of senior life. It’s a sign of closeness, love, and companionship that many people seek throughout their lives.
Aging brings several physical changes to the body that can interfere with sexual pleasure, such as erectile dysfunction. Diabetes, vascular disorders, and arthritis also may affect the ability to have sex. The loss of a partner can also impact the desire for intimacy.
What’s the deal?
As we all know, sex and affection are essential to healthy relationships. It can be a great way to connect with someone else and make you feel safe and secure.
While sex is usually thought of as something that only young people enjoy, that doesn’t have to be the case for older people. In fact, a growing number of adults and are reaching older ages and remaining sexually active into their senior years.
The truth is that, as long as you’re healthy and have a good mate, older adults can enjoy satisfying intercourse for as long as they live. It’s a reality supported by research and studies showing that seniors are no longer bound to stereotypes about sex.
One of the significant factors that affect sex for older adults is hormones. As we get older, the secretion of sex hormones like testosterone and estrogen decreases. This can lead to changes in our bodies, making it more difficult or uncomfortable for us to have sexual intercourse.
These physiological changes can affect the level of desire in a man or woman and the ability to reach an orgasm. They can also affect the lining of the vagina, causing problems with vaginal lubrication.
Physical problems
In the same way, aging can also affect a person’s ability to achieve erectile function. Again, this problem is more common in men as they age, but it also concerns women.
Many older people tend to shy away from discussing their sexual health issues with their doctors or other professionals, especially if they’re concerned about the effects on their physical appearance. This is a big problem because it can cause them to ignore their health concerns or even be misdiagnosed by medical professionals.
As a result, they may be put on medication to treat these conditions or treated in a way that doesn’t consider their sex-related needs. This is a real problem for older people who are looking to stay sexually active.
In addition to physical reasons, aging also comes with a host of mental and emotional challenges that can affect how we interact with others. For example, our sense of identity can change as we get older. As a result, it can be difficult for us to identify our true selves and be comfortable sharing our deepest thoughts and feelings with others.
Sex is good for your health
The negative stereotypes about aging people and their sexuality have never been further from the truth. While the frequency or ability to perform intimately will generally decrease as seniors age, reports show that most gents and ladies between 50 and 80 are enthusiastic about sex and intimacy.
The most important thing to remember is that there’s no “age limit” on sex, and it can have a lot of benefits for your health. For example, it helps you get more sleep, reduces stress, and boosts your immune system, among other things.
It also improves blood circulation, reduces bloating, and flushes the lymphatic system. In addition, it increases your energy levels and boosts your mood.
Having regular sex can even reduce your risk of heart disease. In fact, studies have shown that men who had intercourse at least twice a week decreased their risk of developing heart disease by 50%!
Improving relationships
Aside from the physical benefits of sex, older adults also have the opportunity to improve their relationships. Sex, for example, helps couples build rapport and a strong sense of shared identity. It can be the stepping stone to a deeper connection, leading to better communication, more vital intimacy, and even stronger commitment.
But there’s more to a relationship than just the chemistry in the bedroom, which is why couples must make their sex an enduring part of their lives. For instance, older partners should spend time in the bedroom together, practicing new techniques and finding ways to have great sex without overly tiring each other out or causing joint pain.
Intimacy is a huge part of any relationship, regardless of its level of commitment. This can include various things for some couples, from physical touch to emotional support. It’s a kind of bond that can last for life and bring the two partners closer, says marriage therapist Hilda De La Torre, M.A., MFT.
A lack of sex can affect older women, especially if they’re not married. While many desire sex, they may struggle to find a partner. In these situations, they need to find a way to engage in sex in their own. In addition, they should try different types of sex.
It’s good for your relationship
While some believe sex ends when menopause hits, many older adults still have sexual intimacy, and affection matters more than ever. It can help strengthen relationships, ward off depression, and improve your quality of life.
There are several ways to be intimate, from touching, holding, and kissing to sharing feelings with your partner. These forms of intimacy are also associated with emotional connections and bonding linked to lower stress levels, better health outcomes, and longer lives.
Sex can bring couples closer emotionally as positive hormones are released in intimacy. It also has the potential to improve relationships, which can be particularly important for aging adults who may have lost their previous commitments and need to find new ones.
However, seniors with physical problems or illnesses that affect their ability to perform sex can have a challenging time with the physical act of intimacy. Talking to a doctor about your sex concerns can help you determine whether any medical issues are causing the problem and what treatment options may be available.
Health conditions
Some sex challenges are simply a result of advancing age and other health conditions, such as heart disease or diabetes, while others can be a sign of underlying mental health problems. Mental illnesses, such as depression or anxiety, can also affect sex drive and self-esteem, making it difficult to have regular sex with a partner.
As a result, seniors need to communicate their sexual needs with their partners. They should express their desires clearly and be open to trying different techniques and devices as required.
Seniors can also be more prone to body pain and positioning issues, so it is essential to stay physically fit as they age. This will ensure they have a smooth sex experience without compromising their health.
Keeping an open and honest relationship with your partner is crucial for a healthy sex life, regardless of age. Having sexual conversations and talking about your needs can help you discover new aspects of sex that may be more appealing and satisfying for you. This will also help you build more muscular attachments with your partner and maintain a strong bond rooted in trust, love, and respect.
It’s good for your mental health
Intimacy, or sexual relationship, is vital to your health and happiness as you age. Familiarity also helps prevent depression and boost your self-esteem. And it can lead to long-term relationships with people who share your values and passions.
While sex is often taboo among seniors, talking about intimacy with your loved one is essential. This can help build trust, strengthen your connection, and give you something to look forward to together.
Finding a partner who understands your needs and interests can be more challenging as you age. As a result, you may have to try different approaches and techniques before you feel confident with your sex skills. But if you’re committed to finding an intimate partner, it will be worth it.
If you’re unsure where to start, consider a therapist specializing in couples and interpersonal therapy. They can guide you through this process and provide some one-on-one support so you can figure out what works for you.
Seek professional help
The therapist may also give you some tips on maintaining your xxx skills as you get older, including advice on resolving sexual dysfunction or other challenges that can inhibit intimacy. For example, suppose you’re in a new relationship or are struggling to communicate your wants and needs. In that case, this kind of support can make the difference between a successful relationship and one that ends in a breakup.
For example, a therapist might recommend trying different positions and techniques to find the one that feels the most pleasurable for you both. They also suggest getting a massage to boost libido and reduce stress levels.
Similarly, a therapist might suggest a few things to avoid to maintain healthy intimacy and relationships. For example, if you’re worried about a sexually transmitted disease or infection, talk to your doctor about safe ways to avoid contracting it.
You may be surprised that some older people still have sex intimacy, and affection matters more than ever. In fact, a recent study shows that people in their 90s are more satisfied with their bedroom life than their younger counterparts.
