seniors also don’t have to worry about the risk of pregnancy, and they know their bodies better — what they like and don’t like — and are often not shy about communicating it. many are willing to try experimenting with role playing, lubricants and sex toys.
that’s not to say it’s all contented sighs and afterglow. testosterone declines in older men, leading to difficulty maintaining an erection, while estrogen drops in older women, leading to dryness and painful sex. in some cases, underlying health issues, such as arthritis and heart issues, can also get in the way.
the need for closeness doesn’t go away as we get older
it’s no secret our
population is aging
, with the oldest baby boomers around 75 who came of age around the sexual revolution, and are more open to conversations related to their sex lives. however, many older people today came of age in a relatively conservative era, when sex for pleasure was a sin, so they’re not necessarily comfortable talking about it, let alone pursuing it.
but there are many benefits to being sexually active, including increased self-esteem, a greater sense of well-being, a stronger immune system, closer intimacy and connection, reduced anxiety, and improved sleep.
as
author erica jong — who has written about older women with healthy appetites for sex
— puts it: “sex doesn’t disappear, it just changes form.” meaning it doesn’t necessarily involve penile-vaginal intercourse. it can be as simple as holding hands, kissing, hugging and caressing.
6 minute read
