Sex in the elderly: What you need to know

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Although the frequency of sex usually decreases with age, sex in the elderly still occurs in about 40% of men and women between the ages of 65 and 80. Even one survey shows that the level of sexual satisfaction among elderly women is higher than that of middle-aged women.

1. Sexual needs in the elderly

Sexual activity is also considered an important measure to assess the quality of life of the majority of elderly people. However, there are still some problems that will arise with age that will affect "afternoon sex", such as erectile dysfunction in men or vaginal dryness, urinary incontinence and uterine prolapse in women. . While these conditions can be improved, most older adults do not tell their doctor about the problem they are having in order to receive treatment.
Recently, the results of a small number of studies and surveys on the frequency of sex in the elderly have surprised many people. Specifically:
40% of men and women 65 - 80 years old still have sex, in which the rate of sex with elderly women is lower than that of men; This rate increases to 54% for couples who are still romantically and passionately; 31% of men aged 80 - 90 masturbate and have sex, and nearly 60% of men aged 70 - 80 are still sexually active. Only 14% of women between 80 - 90 and 34% of women 70 - 80 regularly masturbate or have sex; More than half of elderly men stated that they are still very interested in sex; Sex has been shown to be emotionally better for both sexes, with many women over 70 admitting to being more satisfied with their current sex lives and physically satisfied than in their 40s; Although still concerned, very few elderly people talk to their doctors about their sex lives.

2. Problems affecting sexuality in the elderly

As people age, many changes can affect the frequency of sex as well as satisfaction with sex life in the elderly. Changes can include:
Aging of the sex organs: The normal aging process can lead to changes in the sex organs, while emotional needs are still an inevitable part. of life. As women get older, the vagina may shorten and narrow, the vaginal wall will become thinner and harder, and the lubricating secretions will also decrease. Among men, impotence, also known as erectile dysfunction, is becoming more and more common.
Health problems: Chronic diseases common in the elderly also make sexual activity difficult. Some conditions that may be included include: chronic pain and arthritis, cancer (especially breast and prostate cancers), diabetes, heart disease, obesity, urinary incontinence (women's concerns). will urinate during orgasm), and syndromes related to the nervous system.
Drug abuse: Antidepressants, blood pressure medications and many other medications can lead to erectile dysfunction in men or the inability to orgasm in women.
No sexual partner: One of the important factors when looking at the sex statistics of older women is that they have fewer sexual partners than men. Even for women who have had a partner, a man of the same age or older is more likely to be unable to be sexually active. Therefore, in addition to decreased libido and health problems, the low frequency of sexual activity among elderly women is also due to lack of opportunities.

3. "Keeping the fire" of sex in the elderly

There are many physical and mental benefits to having sex as people age. A healthy sex life improves affection and intimacy in older couples. Research shows that regular sexual activity has the potential to make a relationship less stressful. Some ways to maintain or restart sex life in the elderly are:
Changing attitudes about sex: To maintain a fulfilling sex life in old age, it is important to rethink about the meaning of love between husband and wife. Some of the body parts and things they used to like are no longer the same. Sex in the elderly becomes much deeper, so couples should share their thoughts and desires with each other.
Accept the present: With older adults, sex life is often nurtured and developed over decades. Many people often reminisce about the past and remember the great times in the past. However, it is important to forget about your younger years and accept that sex now will be very different from before. If the elderly focus only on what they already have, they will be disappointed instead of improving their own needs and arouse the desires of their partners.
Have Sex Even Without Desire: Many sex therapists recommend that older couples "just do it" instead of waiting for lust. Even when not in the mood, sex can be considered a form of physical "exercise" and help improve libido.Elderly female sex increases lubrication time and negative elasticity. Orgasm helps to release oxytocin in both men and women, a hormone that not only aids sleep, but also helps the elderly to be calmer and more relaxed.
Intimate conversation with a partner: If a friend If the partner seems to have lost interest in sex, the other partner should question it, despite the fact that it's not that simple. Talking about sex can be challenging at any age, but when a couple is If you have been together for many years, you can use the word "suppose" to share your thoughts.Sometimes a wife thinks that the husband has lost interest or is no longer attractive himself, when in reality he is she is worried that her "performance" is no longer good enough to satisfy her wife
Maintaining romantic feelings: A long-term close relationship with a partner is a factor that can help bar for sexual activity in the elderly. It is very important to continue to maintain affection and romance even into old age. Besides, to show affection is not necessarily to do physical stimuli, but instead to do in non-sexual ways. It should be understood that candles, fine wine and music are not just options for young people.
Tom again, understand more about the sexual situation in the elderly and the factors affecting sex life at this stage, as well as measures to maintain or even restart "sex" after a period of time. The “cool” period can help the elderly continue to enjoy this joy of life.

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Reference source: verywellhealth.com