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Sexy Seniors
A discussion of Advanced Maturity and Sexuality
By Mark Stibich, PhD. Listen to the ► podcast at How To Sex.
Many people in their 70s and 80s are not only sexually active, but satisfied with their senior sex lives.
University of Michigan Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation. Let’s talk about sex.
Though the frequency or ability to perform sexually may decline with
age due to physiological changes, these don't necessarily affect how a
person experiences or enjoys sex.
Aging-related problems like erectile dysfunction (ED), vaginal dryness, or urinary incontinence can
affect sex. But their impact can also be minimized by using medication,
managing chronic conditions, seeking individual or couples counseling,
and changing sexual practices.
This article explores the sex lives of adults 65 and over and the
problems that can interfere with sex as the body ages. It also discusses
the various treatment options and ways to maintain—or even
jumpstart—your senior sex life.
Studies suggest that men are almost twice as likely as women to still
have sex or masturbate in their later years. A British study found
close to 60% of men ages 70 to 80 and 31% of men ages 80 to 90 are still
sexually active. In women, those figures drop to 34% and 14%,
respectively.
This lower rate of sexual activity in older women may be due to a
lack of opportunity rather than a lack of desire. Research shows that
older women are less likely to have partners (due in large part to the
fact that they often outlive their partners). This is sometimes referred
to as "the partner gap."
It is common for men to experience sexual problems after age 40. Reasons include a natural decline in testosterone levels, heart disease, and prostate problems. The inability to achieve or sustain an erection or reach orgasm or ejaculation are common concerns.
Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction (ED), formerly known as impotence, is the
inability to achieve or maintain an erection firm enough for sexual
penetration and long enough to achieve orgasm.
While ED is more common in older men, aging itself does not cause the
problem. ED is related to conditions, sometimes several at once, that
directly or indirectly interfere with erections.
Risk factors include high blood pressure, diabetic nerve damage, smoking, obesity, Peyronie's disease, depression, and even certain medications. An accurate diagnosis is needed to ensure the right treatment.
ED drugs like Viagra (sildenafil), Levitra (vardenafil), and Cialis
(tadalafil) are often the first-line treatments for ED. Lifestyle
changes and counseling can also help. For some men, hormonal therapy, penis pumps, and penile implants may be recommended.
Is There a Female Viagra?
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is
a non-cancerous enlarged prostate and one of the most common health
problems in older males.6 BPH can cause symptoms like difficulty
urinating, frequent urination, or waking up in the middle of the night
to urinate (nocturia).
On top of this, BPH can cause sexual problems like low libido (low sex drive) and delayed ejaculation (difficulty reaching orgasm).
Among the treatment options, testosterone therapy may help restore
libido. There are also certain drugs used off-label that may help with
delayed ejaculation, including cabergoline (originally marketed as
Dostinex) and Wellbutrin (bupropion).7
Because some BPH medications can also cause sexual dysfunction, a change in the dose may help resolve these concerns.
Lifestyle Changes to Treat Erectile Dysfunction
Sexual Health Problems in Older Women
More than a third of older women experience sexual problems. These
are typically due to menopause, when estrogen levels steeply decline.
Hormonal changes can lessen sexual desire and make it harder to become
aroused.
Sexual organs also change as a person gets older. A woman's vagina
will shorten and narrow. The vaginal walls become thinner and less
flexible, tearing more easily. Vaginal lubrication decreases, making
vaginal intercourse more painful.
Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder
Hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) is diagnosed when an absence
of sexual fantasies, thoughts, and desires causes personal distress. It
is a problem that is common among many older women.
A medication known as Addyi (flibanserin) is used to treat HSDD in
women. It is currently only approved for premenopausal women, but
research shows that it can also improve libido in older women as well.
Risk of Low Libido After Menopause
Vaginal Dryness
Vaginal dryness is uncomfortable and can make sex painful.
Over-the-counter (OTC) remedies that can help relieve irritation and
itching from vaginal dryness include lubricants such as K-Y Jelly or vaginal suppositories like Replens.
If OTC remedies don’t help, your doctor may prescribe estrogen cream
as well as estrogen-containing vaginal rings and vaginal suppositories.
There are also plant-based products, like black cohosh, that have
estrogen-like effects. These should be used with caution in women who
have had or are at risk of breast cancer.
Pain With Sex
Painful intercourse is more likely in older women as vaginal tissue
tends to thin and tear easily after menopause. Standard treatments for
vaginal dryness can often help ease pain during sex.
If that is not effective, prescription drugs like Osphena
(ospemifene) and Intrarosa (prasterone) can treat thinning vaginal
tissues and help relieve moderate to severe vaginal dryness.
Dealing With Painful Intercourse After Menopause
Pelvic Organ Prolapse
The pelvic floor muscles and tissues hold the bladder, uterus, cervix, vagina, and rectum in place. Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) occurs
when the pelvic floor weakens, causing the pelvic organs to drop and
bulge (prolapse) in the vagina. This can cause pelvic pain and pressure,
pain with sex, and urinary incontinence.
POP is often treated with pelvic floor physical therapy to strengthen
the supporting muscles. In some cases, surgery may be needed.
What Is Uterine Prolapse?
Other Health Concerns
Chronic medical conditions become more common as a person ages. Many of these can interfere with an older person's sex life.
Arthritis and Chronic Pain
Arthritis and other chronic pain conditions are common among older
adults and can make sex very difficult. Depending on the cause, doctors
may recommend physical therapy to strengthen muscles and improve
flexibility.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), both over-the-counter
and prescription, can be taken before sex to help ease the pain. Opioid
drugs, while effective as a pain reliever, can cause a drop in
testosterone and contribute to ED.
If the pain only occurs in certain sexual positions, let your partner
know and try different positions. Bolstering your bodies with pillows
and cushions can also help.
Best Positions for Sex With Back Pain
Diabetes
In the United States, almost one-third of adults over 65 have diabetes. Approximately half of these are undiagnosed.
Diabetes can cause sexual dysfunction in both men and women. This can
be due to circulation problems, medication side effects, or nerve
damage. Problems include:
- Low libido
- Difficulty with arousal
- Erectile dysfunction
- Painful intercourse
- Reduced genital sensation
- Urinary tract infections
- Yeast infections
The best way to reduce the impact of diabetes is to gain control of
your blood sugar. Speak with your doctor if you have difficulty managing
your blood sugar, and be sure to mention any sexual health problems you
may be having. It's important for your doctor to know.
Heart Disease
Older age is the greatest risk factor for heart disease. Heart
disease causes problems as arteries start to narrow and harden (referred
to as atherosclerosis).
This reduces blood flow throughout the body, including the pelvis and
genitals, resulting in sexual dysfunction in both men and women.
Heart disease is one of the leading causes of erectile dysfunction in
men. It can also cause women to have difficulty achieving orgasm due to
the decreased blood flow to the genitals.
There is no one way to resolve these issues, but there is evidence that statin drugs used
to reduce the risk of heart disease can improve erectile dysfunction in
some men.19 Some studies suggest that similar approaches may improve
sexual function in women with heart disease.
People with heart disease may also be nervous about sex due to fear
of a heart attack. While sexual activity is generally safe, talk to your
health provider if you are concerned.
Navigating Sex After a Heart Attack
Obesity
Today, more than 40% of adults over 65 meet the definition of
obesity. Research shows that women who are obese are more likely to
experience sexual dysfunction than non-obese women. In addition, obesity
increases the odds of erectile dysfunction in men.
These issues may be directly related to higher rates of diabetes
among people who are obese as well as reduced blood circulation due to
atherosclerosis.
Weight loss, achieved with a healthy diet and routine exercise, is
considered the best strategy to overcome obesity. It may also improve a
person's self-image and sense of well-being while making sex easier to
navigate.
Urinary Incontinence
Urinary incontinence is the loss of bladder control. This becomes more common with age, especially in women.
Incontinence can be embarrassing and make sex awkward. Women who
experience stress incontinence may be afraid to orgasm. Extra pressure
on the abdomen during intercourse can also cause urinary leakage.
If you have incontinence, empty your bladder before sex. Changing
sexual positions can help prevent urinary leakage by avoiding the
compression of the bladder. Pelvic floor exercises can also help
strengthen the muscles that aid with urine control.
Medications
Some medications used in older adults can cause sexual dysfunction in both men and women. These include:25
- Antidepressants
- Antihistamines
- Chemotherapy
- Diuretics ("water pills")
- High blood pressure medicines
- Opioid painkillers
If you are having sexual difficulties, let your doctor know and
advise them of any drugs you are taking, including over-the-counter,
prescription, or recreational.
Lifestyle and Mental Health
Lifestyle and mental health issues can also contribute to sexual
problems in older adults. These issues can be just as difficult—and
sometimes even more difficult—to overcome than physical ones. If you are
faced with any of these issues, there are things you can do to turn
them around.
Alcohol
For some people, drinking a glass of wine helps them relax and get in
the mood. However, too much alcohol can end up impairing sexual
function. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, alcohol is
the most-used drug among older adults, with 65% of people 65 and older
reporting high-risk drinking.
Alcohol can impair a man's ability to get an erection, cause premature ejaculation, or delay orgasm. In women, too much alcohol can make it difficult to climax.
Reducing the amount you drink can help, but if you are unable to
control your alcohol use, speak to your doctor about treatment options.
Depression
In the United States, between 5% and 10% of adults over 65 are
estimated to be depressed. This can lead to many health concerns,
including sexual dysfunction.
In people with depression, neurotransmitters—chemical messengers that
send signals between the brain and body—are out of balance. This can
affect sexual desire, arousal, and orgasm. Ironically, medications used
to treat depression can have the same effects.
While the benefits of antidepressants often outweigh the risks,
therapy and counseling may offer a reasonable option for those with mild
depression.
Stress
Stress can be a contributing factor to sexual dysfunction. Financial
worries and health concerns are just some of the common stresses
affecting older adults.
To relieve stress (and the effect it has on your sex life), consider
stress management techniques like mindful breathing, tai chi, yoga, and
meditation. Research shows practicing mindfulness and meditation can
ease the effects of stress and improve overall feelings of well-being.
This alone may help improve sex.
In addition, seek professional assistance from financial advisors,
health advocates, and social workers to help better deal with the other
stresses in your life.
Relationship Issues
Lack of sexual intimacy is often related to relationship problems. If
you are and your partner are not connecting emotionally, it can lessen
your desire to be intimate.
On the flip side, studies show that older couples who engage in
sexual intercourse with their partner are likely to share a closer
relationship. Moreover, closeness to one’s partner has been shown to
increase overall well-being.
While this issue is not unique to older couples, many people find
talking to a marriage counselor can help them work through relationship
issues and rekindle sexual feelings and attraction.
Self-Image
With age can come weight gain and other body changes that may affect
one's sense of physical attractiveness. Self-consciousness can spill
over into the bedroom and affect a person's confidence during sex.
A 2019 study among older women found that those who were
self-conscious about their bodies reported less sexual satisfaction. By
contrast, those who had greater self-acceptance of their bodies
irrespective of weight or aging-related changes had a more satisfying
sex life.
Self-acceptance is ultimately the key. Working with a therapist,
either alone or as a couple, can help you discuss your feelings openly
and find a way to embrace a more positive self-image.
How to Maintain a Healthy Sex Life
The benefits of maintaining your sex life as you age are physical and
emotional. Being sexually active is associated with a lower risk of
medical conditions and a longer life. It's also associated with a
greater sense of happiness and overall well-being.
If your sex life has become stagnant and you'd like to rev it back up, here are a few things you can do.
Communicate
Good sex begins with good communication. Couples who have been
together a long time often think they know what the other is thinking.
But no one is a mind reader.
Talk to your partner about any concerns you have. You may feel as
though your mate is no longer attracted to you because sex has become
infrequent, when in fact they are experiencing a decline in sexual
interest.
In addition, as sex organs change with age, what felt good before may
no longer feel good or may even be painful. Be open with your partner
about these changes.
Communicating about sex can be challenging at any age, however. If
you and your partner struggle to talk about sex, consider seeing a sex
therapist.
Redefine Sex
Sex, as you get older, may need to change. But different can still be
good, if not better. With an empty nest and possibly retirement,
there’s more time and privacy to explore.
Research shows older adults have a broader definition of sexual
activity than younger adults. In other words, they better understand
that there is more to sex than just intercourse. Foreplay on its own can
be quite satisfying.
Be creative and willing to try new things.
Rethink Intimacy
Sex isn't just physical. It’s an emotional expression of intimacy. As
you grow older, sexual intimacy changes. What this means to you and
your partner may need to be redefined.
Emotional intimacy can be expressed through non-sexual physical touch. Examples of non-sexual physical touch include:
- Back rubs
- Cuddling
- Holding hands
- Hugging
- Placing your hand on your partner's shoulder or arm
- Playful nudges
- Sitting next to each other
- Touching feet under the table
Another non-sexual way to build emotional intimacy is spending quality time together. Things you can do:
- Go out on dates with other couples.
- Look through old photos and reminisce.
- Play cards, board games, or word games.
- Read aloud to each other.
- Play music together.
- Travel, explore new places.
- Visit with friends or family.
Just Do It
Instead of waiting for the desire to strike, experts recommend that
older adults just go for it. This is because sex has physical and
emotional benefits. Orgasms release oxytocin, a hormone that induces a
state of calm and improves sleep.
Even if you’re not in the mood, having sex can set the stage for more
sex in the future. This is especially true for women. Having sex
regularly helps increase natural lubrication and vaginal elasticity. It
may also improve erections in men.
Summary
Older age can lead to sexual problems in different ways. Age alone
increases the risk of erectile dysfunction, delayed ejaculation, low
libido, vaginal dryness, and pelvic organ prolapse. Medical conditions
like arthritis, diabetes, heart disease, obesity, and incontinence can
also directly or indirectly interfere with sex.
Lifestyle and emotional issues that can impair sexual function in all
ages can become even more profound in adults 65 years and older. These
include stress, depression, negative self-image, relationship problems,
and alcohol abuse.
By working with a doctor or therapist, you can overcome many of these
concerns and improve not only your quality of life but your sex life as
well. Keeping open lines of communication and embracing change as a
natural part of life can also help keep your sex life fresh as you
approach your later years.
By Mark Stibich, PhD for Very Well Health
This post is part of the How To Sex podcast. Subscribe in your favorite apps.
View all episodes
By Steamy Stories A discussion of Advanced Maturity and Sexuality
By Mark Stibich, PhD. Listen to the ► podcast at How To Sex.
Many people in their 70s and 80s are not only sexually active, but satisfied with their senior sex lives.
University of Michigan Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation. Let’s talk about sex.
Though the frequency or ability to perform sexually may decline with
age due to physiological changes, these don't necessarily affect how a
person experiences or enjoys sex.
Aging-related problems like erectile dysfunction (ED), vaginal dryness, or urinary incontinence can
affect sex. But their impact can also be minimized by using medication,
managing chronic conditions, seeking individual or couples counseling,
and changing sexual practices.
This article explores the sex lives of adults 65 and over and the
problems that can interfere with sex as the body ages. It also discusses
the various treatment options and ways to maintain—or even
jumpstart—your senior sex life.
Studies suggest that men are almost twice as likely as women to still
have sex or masturbate in their later years. A British study found
close to 60% of men ages 70 to 80 and 31% of men ages 80 to 90 are still
sexually active. In women, those figures drop to 34% and 14%,
respectively.
This lower rate of sexual activity in older women may be due to a
lack of opportunity rather than a lack of desire. Research shows that
older women are less likely to have partners (due in large part to the
fact that they often outlive their partners). This is sometimes referred
to as "the partner gap."
It is common for men to experience sexual problems after age 40. Reasons include a natural decline in testosterone levels, heart disease, and prostate problems. The inability to achieve or sustain an erection or reach orgasm or ejaculation are common concerns.
Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction (ED), formerly known as impotence, is the
inability to achieve or maintain an erection firm enough for sexual
penetration and long enough to achieve orgasm.
While ED is more common in older men, aging itself does not cause the
problem. ED is related to conditions, sometimes several at once, that
directly or indirectly interfere with erections.
Risk factors include high blood pressure, diabetic nerve damage, smoking, obesity, Peyronie's disease, depression, and even certain medications. An accurate diagnosis is needed to ensure the right treatment.
ED drugs like Viagra (sildenafil), Levitra (vardenafil), and Cialis
(tadalafil) are often the first-line treatments for ED. Lifestyle
changes and counseling can also help. For some men, hormonal therapy, penis pumps, and penile implants may be recommended.
Is There a Female Viagra?
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is
a non-cancerous enlarged prostate and one of the most common health
problems in older males.6 BPH can cause symptoms like difficulty
urinating, frequent urination, or waking up in the middle of the night
to urinate (nocturia).
On top of this, BPH can cause sexual problems like low libido (low sex drive) and delayed ejaculation (difficulty reaching orgasm).
Among the treatment options, testosterone therapy may help restore
libido. There are also certain drugs used off-label that may help with
delayed ejaculation, including cabergoline (originally marketed as
Dostinex) and Wellbutrin (bupropion).7
Because some BPH medications can also cause sexual dysfunction, a change in the dose may help resolve these concerns.
Lifestyle Changes to Treat Erectile Dysfunction
Sexual Health Problems in Older Women
More than a third of older women experience sexual problems. These
are typically due to menopause, when estrogen levels steeply decline.
Hormonal changes can lessen sexual desire and make it harder to become
aroused.
Sexual organs also change as a person gets older. A woman's vagina
will shorten and narrow. The vaginal walls become thinner and less
flexible, tearing more easily. Vaginal lubrication decreases, making
vaginal intercourse more painful.
Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder
Hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) is diagnosed when an absence
of sexual fantasies, thoughts, and desires causes personal distress. It
is a problem that is common among many older women.
A medication known as Addyi (flibanserin) is used to treat HSDD in
women. It is currently only approved for premenopausal women, but
research shows that it can also improve libido in older women as well.
Risk of Low Libido After Menopause
Vaginal Dryness
Vaginal dryness is uncomfortable and can make sex painful.
Over-the-counter (OTC) remedies that can help relieve irritation and
itching from vaginal dryness include lubricants such as K-Y Jelly or vaginal suppositories like Replens.
If OTC remedies don’t help, your doctor may prescribe estrogen cream
as well as estrogen-containing vaginal rings and vaginal suppositories.
There are also plant-based products, like black cohosh, that have
estrogen-like effects. These should be used with caution in women who
have had or are at risk of breast cancer.
Pain With Sex
Painful intercourse is more likely in older women as vaginal tissue
tends to thin and tear easily after menopause. Standard treatments for
vaginal dryness can often help ease pain during sex.
If that is not effective, prescription drugs like Osphena
(ospemifene) and Intrarosa (prasterone) can treat thinning vaginal
tissues and help relieve moderate to severe vaginal dryness.
Dealing With Painful Intercourse After Menopause
Pelvic Organ Prolapse
The pelvic floor muscles and tissues hold the bladder, uterus, cervix, vagina, and rectum in place. Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) occurs
when the pelvic floor weakens, causing the pelvic organs to drop and
bulge (prolapse) in the vagina. This can cause pelvic pain and pressure,
pain with sex, and urinary incontinence.
POP is often treated with pelvic floor physical therapy to strengthen
the supporting muscles. In some cases, surgery may be needed.
What Is Uterine Prolapse?
Other Health Concerns
Chronic medical conditions become more common as a person ages. Many of these can interfere with an older person's sex life.
Arthritis and Chronic Pain
Arthritis and other chronic pain conditions are common among older
adults and can make sex very difficult. Depending on the cause, doctors
may recommend physical therapy to strengthen muscles and improve
flexibility.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), both over-the-counter
and prescription, can be taken before sex to help ease the pain. Opioid
drugs, while effective as a pain reliever, can cause a drop in
testosterone and contribute to ED.
If the pain only occurs in certain sexual positions, let your partner
know and try different positions. Bolstering your bodies with pillows
and cushions can also help.
Best Positions for Sex With Back Pain
Diabetes
In the United States, almost one-third of adults over 65 have diabetes. Approximately half of these are undiagnosed.
Diabetes can cause sexual dysfunction in both men and women. This can
be due to circulation problems, medication side effects, or nerve
damage. Problems include:
- Low libido
- Difficulty with arousal
- Erectile dysfunction
- Painful intercourse
- Reduced genital sensation
- Urinary tract infections
- Yeast infections
The best way to reduce the impact of diabetes is to gain control of
your blood sugar. Speak with your doctor if you have difficulty managing
your blood sugar, and be sure to mention any sexual health problems you
may be having. It's important for your doctor to know.
Heart Disease
Older age is the greatest risk factor for heart disease. Heart
disease causes problems as arteries start to narrow and harden (referred
to as atherosclerosis).
This reduces blood flow throughout the body, including the pelvis and
genitals, resulting in sexual dysfunction in both men and women.
Heart disease is one of the leading causes of erectile dysfunction in
men. It can also cause women to have difficulty achieving orgasm due to
the decreased blood flow to the genitals.
There is no one way to resolve these issues, but there is evidence that statin drugs used
to reduce the risk of heart disease can improve erectile dysfunction in
some men.19 Some studies suggest that similar approaches may improve
sexual function in women with heart disease.
People with heart disease may also be nervous about sex due to fear
of a heart attack. While sexual activity is generally safe, talk to your
health provider if you are concerned.
Navigating Sex After a Heart Attack
Obesity
Today, more than 40% of adults over 65 meet the definition of
obesity. Research shows that women who are obese are more likely to
experience sexual dysfunction than non-obese women. In addition, obesity
increases the odds of erectile dysfunction in men.
These issues may be directly related to higher rates of diabetes
among people who are obese as well as reduced blood circulation due to
atherosclerosis.
Weight loss, achieved with a healthy diet and routine exercise, is
considered the best strategy to overcome obesity. It may also improve a
person's self-image and sense of well-being while making sex easier to
navigate.
Urinary Incontinence
Urinary incontinence is the loss of bladder control. This becomes more common with age, especially in women.
Incontinence can be embarrassing and make sex awkward. Women who
experience stress incontinence may be afraid to orgasm. Extra pressure
on the abdomen during intercourse can also cause urinary leakage.
If you have incontinence, empty your bladder before sex. Changing
sexual positions can help prevent urinary leakage by avoiding the
compression of the bladder. Pelvic floor exercises can also help
strengthen the muscles that aid with urine control.
Medications
Some medications used in older adults can cause sexual dysfunction in both men and women. These include:25
- Antidepressants
- Antihistamines
- Chemotherapy
- Diuretics ("water pills")
- High blood pressure medicines
- Opioid painkillers
If you are having sexual difficulties, let your doctor know and
advise them of any drugs you are taking, including over-the-counter,
prescription, or recreational.
Lifestyle and Mental Health
Lifestyle and mental health issues can also contribute to sexual
problems in older adults. These issues can be just as difficult—and
sometimes even more difficult—to overcome than physical ones. If you are
faced with any of these issues, there are things you can do to turn
them around.
Alcohol
For some people, drinking a glass of wine helps them relax and get in
the mood. However, too much alcohol can end up impairing sexual
function. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, alcohol is
the most-used drug among older adults, with 65% of people 65 and older
reporting high-risk drinking.
Alcohol can impair a man's ability to get an erection, cause premature ejaculation, or delay orgasm. In women, too much alcohol can make it difficult to climax.
Reducing the amount you drink can help, but if you are unable to
control your alcohol use, speak to your doctor about treatment options.
Depression
In the United States, between 5% and 10% of adults over 65 are
estimated to be depressed. This can lead to many health concerns,
including sexual dysfunction.
In people with depression, neurotransmitters—chemical messengers that
send signals between the brain and body—are out of balance. This can
affect sexual desire, arousal, and orgasm. Ironically, medications used
to treat depression can have the same effects.
While the benefits of antidepressants often outweigh the risks,
therapy and counseling may offer a reasonable option for those with mild
depression.
Stress
Stress can be a contributing factor to sexual dysfunction. Financial
worries and health concerns are just some of the common stresses
affecting older adults.
To relieve stress (and the effect it has on your sex life), consider
stress management techniques like mindful breathing, tai chi, yoga, and
meditation. Research shows practicing mindfulness and meditation can
ease the effects of stress and improve overall feelings of well-being.
This alone may help improve sex.
In addition, seek professional assistance from financial advisors,
health advocates, and social workers to help better deal with the other
stresses in your life.
Relationship Issues
Lack of sexual intimacy is often related to relationship problems. If
you are and your partner are not connecting emotionally, it can lessen
your desire to be intimate.
On the flip side, studies show that older couples who engage in
sexual intercourse with their partner are likely to share a closer
relationship. Moreover, closeness to one’s partner has been shown to
increase overall well-being.
While this issue is not unique to older couples, many people find
talking to a marriage counselor can help them work through relationship
issues and rekindle sexual feelings and attraction.
Self-Image
With age can come weight gain and other body changes that may affect
one's sense of physical attractiveness. Self-consciousness can spill
over into the bedroom and affect a person's confidence during sex.
A 2019 study among older women found that those who were
self-conscious about their bodies reported less sexual satisfaction. By
contrast, those who had greater self-acceptance of their bodies
irrespective of weight or aging-related changes had a more satisfying
sex life.
Self-acceptance is ultimately the key. Working with a therapist,
either alone or as a couple, can help you discuss your feelings openly
and find a way to embrace a more positive self-image.
How to Maintain a Healthy Sex Life
The benefits of maintaining your sex life as you age are physical and
emotional. Being sexually active is associated with a lower risk of
medical conditions and a longer life. It's also associated with a
greater sense of happiness and overall well-being.
If your sex life has become stagnant and you'd like to rev it back up, here are a few things you can do.
Communicate
Good sex begins with good communication. Couples who have been
together a long time often think they know what the other is thinking.
But no one is a mind reader.
Talk to your partner about any concerns you have. You may feel as
though your mate is no longer attracted to you because sex has become
infrequent, when in fact they are experiencing a decline in sexual
interest.
In addition, as sex organs change with age, what felt good before may
no longer feel good or may even be painful. Be open with your partner
about these changes.
Communicating about sex can be challenging at any age, however. If
you and your partner struggle to talk about sex, consider seeing a sex
therapist.
Redefine Sex
Sex, as you get older, may need to change. But different can still be
good, if not better. With an empty nest and possibly retirement,
there’s more time and privacy to explore.
Research shows older adults have a broader definition of sexual
activity than younger adults. In other words, they better understand
that there is more to sex than just intercourse. Foreplay on its own can
be quite satisfying.
Be creative and willing to try new things.
Rethink Intimacy
Sex isn't just physical. It’s an emotional expression of intimacy. As
you grow older, sexual intimacy changes. What this means to you and
your partner may need to be redefined.
Emotional intimacy can be expressed through non-sexual physical touch. Examples of non-sexual physical touch include:
- Back rubs
- Cuddling
- Holding hands
- Hugging
- Placing your hand on your partner's shoulder or arm
- Playful nudges
- Sitting next to each other
- Touching feet under the table
Another non-sexual way to build emotional intimacy is spending quality time together. Things you can do:
- Go out on dates with other couples.
- Look through old photos and reminisce.
- Play cards, board games, or word games.
- Read aloud to each other.
- Play music together.
- Travel, explore new places.
- Visit with friends or family.
Just Do It
Instead of waiting for the desire to strike, experts recommend that
older adults just go for it. This is because sex has physical and
emotional benefits. Orgasms release oxytocin, a hormone that induces a
state of calm and improves sleep.
Even if you’re not in the mood, having sex can set the stage for more
sex in the future. This is especially true for women. Having sex
regularly helps increase natural lubrication and vaginal elasticity. It
may also improve erections in men.
Summary
Older age can lead to sexual problems in different ways. Age alone
increases the risk of erectile dysfunction, delayed ejaculation, low
libido, vaginal dryness, and pelvic organ prolapse. Medical conditions
like arthritis, diabetes, heart disease, obesity, and incontinence can
also directly or indirectly interfere with sex.
Lifestyle and emotional issues that can impair sexual function in all
ages can become even more profound in adults 65 years and older. These
include stress, depression, negative self-image, relationship problems,
and alcohol abuse.
By working with a doctor or therapist, you can overcome many of these
concerns and improve not only your quality of life but your sex life as
well. Keeping open lines of communication and embracing change as a
natural part of life can also help keep your sex life fresh as you
approach your later years.
By Mark Stibich, PhD for Very Well Health
This post is part of the How To Sex podcast. Subscribe in your favorite apps.