People generally do not link elderly individuals with sexual feelings and closeness. The idea that aging causes people to become disinterested is the source of this misconception. Therefore, the elderly who indicate that they have a desire for intimacy is often labeled with insults and seen as unacceptable.

It does not matter how old one is when discussing matters of sexuality. As physical changes caused by aging can result in a decrease in sexual ability, a lot of elderly people still maintain a level of enthusiasm regarding the intimate activity.

This article aims to educate its readers about the truth behind the sexuality of seniors, explain the common changes in their sexual desire, provide strategies for confronting these changes, and show how to regain sexual pleasure even past sixty.

Let’s Talk Numbers: Sex and Aging Statistics Among Men and Women

The process of getting older can lead to normal physical modifications that impact how individuals participate in sexual activities, particularly in relation to the sexual organs. Older males may struggle with achieving and maintaining an erection.

Older ladies may observe a decrease in width and dehydration in their lady parts. Menopause is also another factor that affects sexual desire.

According to HealthinAging.org, other factors that affect sex life in senior women include the following:

• Low sex drive among 50% of women aged 75–85 years.
• Inability to climax among 4 out of 10 women.
• Menopause-related sexual issues, such as a lack of interest and pleasure during sex.
• Cultural influence that older women should not encourage sexuality.

Despite being older, there are still opportunities for seniors to express their interest in and engage in intimate activities. A recent survey indicated that numerous female individuals are still involved in sexual activities into their 70s. Approximately four out of ten people continue to partake in sexual activities such as intercourse, masturbation, and fondling. The rest of them are limited by age-related issues.

A 2019 survey revealed that sexual activity is important for people aged 60 and above. Around seventy percent of the older participants think of themselves as sexually appealing.

Correlation Between Aging and Sexuality

Older adults may discover a newfound ability to express themselves sexually after reaching the age of 50. Women can be reassured that they will not become pregnant if they do not want to. Older individuals are likely to have developed a better understanding of what satisfies them and their significant others as well.

It is not surprising to note that the physical changes of growing older have an immense influence on an individual’s sexual relations, particularly for female individuals. Issues encountered by many people over the age of sixty.

How Does Sexuality Change with Age?

Roughly 50% of females in the 57 to 73 age range had sexual activity less than twice a month in the years before the Harvard Health report was released in 2021. Menopause appears to be one of the primary explanations for this decline in libido, but there may be other elements at play as well.

The onset of menopause typically happens in women between the ages of 45 and 55, though it can, at times, start before this. Women who have had operations to take out their ovaries or uterus, or those who have had cancer treatments, may also be affected by this.

Menopause marks a huge milestone in a woman’s life. However, it also features awkward alterations that restrict her sensuality.

Decline in libido

Some women have seen an enhancement in their sexual drive after menopause without any anxieties related to unintentional pregnancy and with many of their kids no longer living at home.

However, most people note that their interest in sex has decreased since this significant event. Women go through a sudden decrease in their estrogen levels during menopause, which can cause a variety of symptoms that can drastically reduce their sexual drive.

Discomfort during intercourse

The drop in the amount of estrogen and progesterone created by the ovaries prior to menopause can bring on diverse issues that can make sexual intercourse unpleasant. Sex can become uncomfortable due to vaginal dryness, reducing the likelihood to engage in it even if a person’s sexual desire is still there.

Mood changes

It is said that women suffer from depression twice as often as men. This is normally seen during significant life transformations, including adolescence, carrying a baby to term, and the cessation of menstrual cycles.

Studies about the connection between depression and menopause remain inconclusive. Nevertheless, hormonal imbalances and insecurities about body image can be potential sources of distress for females in the midst of menopause.

Benefits of Intimacy for Older Adults

Despite the fact that getting older can be a hindrance to sexual activity, it should not have a negative effect on the closeness shared between two partners. Having a close connection with someone who is special to you is key for a satisfying and successful relationship, both in terms of emotional aspects (such as making memories together) and physical aspects (for instance, embracing and being physically intimate).

In turn, it also provides several health benefits, especially for older adults:

• Less stress. Having ample social and emotional support from a partner strengthens one’s capacity to handle stress.
• Better healing. Whether to provide care or psychological support, having a committed partner promotes better healing in times of illness, treatment, or surgery.
• Lowers risk of depression. With consistent social support, seniors are less likely to experience emotional issues, such as anxiety and depression.

Sexual Health Concerns for Seniors

Elderly people can go through just as many ones related to sexual wellness because of their age as younger individuals.

Physical Health Concerns

A woman going through menopause is at a heightened risk of getting a sexually transmitted illness, particularly HIV, due to vaginal dryness. Due to decreased lubrication in the vaginal area, sexual intercourse can easily cause rubbing which can lead to tearing and scrapes. Without proper hygiene, an infection may occur.

Women who are no longer in their reproductive years are less inclined to use condoms during sexual activity, as pregnancy is no longer something they have to have concern about. This intensifies the danger of contracting HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases.

AIDS

Many senior citizens believe they are not as vulnerable to HIV/AIDS as those in younger age groups. It could be that they haven’t had much experience in the realm of sex. However, HIV does not choose its victim. No matter what age an individual is, they have the potential to contract HIV, particularly when engaging in sexual activities.

Older individuals are more prone to catching HIV due to their decreasing capacity to resist infection and disease. Having the sickness makes them increasingly vulnerable to numerous medical issues and life-threatening maladies like cancer.

Other STDs

Older adults are just as vulnerable to sexually transmitted diseases such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and hepatitis A and B. A report released in 2020 showed STI rates had reached an all-time high among seniors. The growth of STDs among elderly individuals can result in a worrying range of health difficulties, for example cardiovascular disease and cancer.

9 Ways Men Can Improve Sexual Performance

It is encouraging to know there are many methods available for men to keep their sexuality active, even in their senior years.

Considering this, the tactics that could be successful may vary from man to man. It is imperative that a man examines their own existence more carefully. This grants them the capacity to figure out what approaches would produce the best outcomes specifically for them.

We investigate nine methods in which males can better their sexual capability.

1) Reduce Stress

Short-term stress has benefits. It puts the body into a fight-or-flight mode. When stress goes on for an extended period of time, it can lead to significant physical issues. Individuals who have a long-standing, consistent level of stress could experience difficulty in the bedroom.

Investigations have revealed that bettering ways of dealing with stress might be profitable for male individuals enduring erectile dysfunction. When stress is reduced, the erectile function may improve. It is possible that sexual desire could rise.

There are numerous methods for men to lower their tension. Steering clear of nicotine, caffeine, and booze may be beneficial. Physical activity may help to reduce stress levels too.

It is important for men to get adequate sleep, as not having enough rest can make stress levels increase further. Apart from these, conversing with a good friend, mate, relative, or even a trained individual can often assist in decreasing stress levels as well.

2) Improve Intimacy

It is not uncommon to find a lack of closeness in relationships that involve elderly individuals. After years of being in a relationship with the same partner, people often fail to recognize that the intimacy has disappeared from their bond. Failure to understand the absence of a close relationship can cause more serious issues regarding sex.

Improving intimacy is possible, even among the elderly. It is essential for a man to confess that he longs for more closeness in the connection. Discussing these emotions with his companion could be an excellent start to the process.

Intimacy can be brought back in a few different ways. Experimenting with something different can be an excellent way to reclaim enthusiasm. Being spontaneous can help too. Men should attempt to avoid establishing a timetable for intercourse and simply let it come about naturally when it does.

3) Foreplay

Engaging in acts of foreplay is a great way to reignite intimacy in a relationship. We already covered the importance of foreplay. Many guys don’t take advantage of what foreplay has to offer.

Foreplay allows a man to be sexually aroused. It also provides an opportunity for sexual stimulation. This is an excellent method for beginning something – and will surely put someone in a positive attitude. If a male engages in foreplay, it could possibly result in an increased libido. He is unlikely to encounter issues achieving or retaining a firm erection.

A man can engage in various forms of foreplay. This includes kissing and hugging. Soft touches work too. Women may often prefer vaginal lubrication during this time. Foreplay can be enhanced by it, and sexual intercourse is made more comfortable.

4) Implement An Exercise Routine

Too many senior men are physically inactive. The man increases their odds of becoming obese by staying inactive. Inadequate physical activity also leads to additional complications.

Obesity is not the only concern here. Living a life of inactivity is also linked to a dip in testosterone levels. This can cause reduced libido and the potential to experience difficulties with achieving an erection.

Research has found that keeping up physical fitness is closely linked to having good sexual health. Those who are more physically active generally experience better performance in intimate situations. Exercising can lead to higher testosterone levels. This may enhance strength and endurance too. Both of these elements are important during sexual intercourse.

5) Quit Smoking

One of the most widely used unhealthy habits is smoking. As they progress in years, many elderly males persist in smoking.

It has been determined that smoking has a great deal of detrimental effects on the human body. Smoking increases the risk of high blood pressure for males. Smoking heightens the possibility of getting heart disease, as well as cancer and other ailments.

Additionally, smoking also harms sexual health. Research has demonstrated that men who smoke are more likely to suffer from erectile dysfunction. The main reason for this is the harm caused to blood vessels by smoking. The eventual results of the harm is atherosclerosis, which is a condition that negatively affects blood flow.

6) Limit Alcohol Consumption

Alcohol is a nervous system depressant. Drinking alcohol may also have several undesirable impacts on the body. Consuming a couple of alcoholic beverages daily may not be risky, but overindulging in alcohol can cause someone to become addicted. It heightens the chances of heart disorders, high blood pressure, and other health woes.

Individuals who consume an excessive amount of alcohol may experience issues with their sexual life. This may include a decline in their sex drive. Drinking too much alcohol could lead to difficulties with achieving or maintaining an erection.

7) Encourage Open Communication

Communication is a critical part of a healthy relationship. Sadly, many people experience that there is not enough communication in their partnership. If two individuals do not speak with one another, it is likely that issues can arise.

Sexual difficulties may be one of the challenges that arise. Insufficient communication leads to the two people feeling like they are drifting apart. It also causes a lack of intimacy. We already outlined how lack of closeness leads to sexual issues in elderly males.

8) Make Dietary Changes

Many times males are not cognizant of the food they are consuming, which can lead to issues in their sexual routine. Eating certain meals may lead to a person suffering from erectile dysfunction. It is difficult for the man to become aroused.

Examples of items to avoid are high-fat dairy products and an excess of sugary snacks. If a man consumes an excess of unhealthy fats, this can lead to sexual issues.

Eating a nutritious diet full of key nutrients, coupled with protein and beneficial fats, could lead to enhanced sexual performance.

9) Consider Counseling

Counseling may be beneficial in remedying intimate issues caused by mental health issues by restoring sexual performance. Several mental problems may lead to sexual problems. In many cases, there are difficulties in the relationship due to a lack of effective communication or even direct problems.

Counseling services can be used by a man and their significant other to confront any matters directly. This could be of assistance in addressing the difficulties present in their association. The man might discover that sorting out these problems is beneficial to them sexually.

Recognize When You Need More Help

Getting older can be intimidating for females, particularly as they go through profound physiological and mental transformations. If you are worried about your sexual health or relationship, it is always best to consult with a knowledgeable expert.