It is natural for all living things to change over time, both structurally and functionally, but this doesn't necessarily signal the end of your sex life. However, it is important to identify certain changes you will experience as you age.
According to the medical dictionary, Medciclopedia, mature adults are divided into two age groups: middle aged (from 40 to 65 years old) and elderly (65 years old and up). During the aging process, we experience progressive changes in our cells, our tissues and our bodies in general.
What do the experts say?
A belief persists that, after the age of 40, both men and women begin to undergo changes that prevent them from continuing to enjoy their sexuality. Nevertheless, the New England Journal of Medicine published a study revealing that, while people's interest in sex tends to decline around the age of 70, they can remain sexually active well into their eighties.
The changes related to aging include both physical and psychological aspects, which must be confronted. According to research carried out in 2001 by scientists Orihuela, Gomez and Fumero, our concepts of sexual activity in old age are divided along the lines of gender; that is, we have different stereotypes with regard to men and women.
Their research demonstrated that 53% of men believe that age is no barrier to sexuality, while most women believe that sex is primarily for young people. According to their studies, 52% of men maintain an interest in their sex lives, while only 24% of women still claim to be interested.
Some practical advice
The biggest challenge is adapting to the progressive deterioration of our bodily functions, the progressive decline in our mental faculties and function and the major transitions in our family and professional lives.
In turn, these challenges lead to others that are closely linked with our understanding, not only of the physical and psychological changes we undergo, but also of the ways in which we can help our bodies to experience pleasure. To confront these issues, it is necessary to bear in mind that among the most common problems are the following:
1) In the case of men, the most common problem is erectile dysfunction. Today, there are various medications that can alleviate this condition, enabling sexual activity. However, it is recommended to consult a doctor so that he or she can suggest the one that is most suitable, according to the physical and clinical conditions of each individual.
2) In women, a lack of desire, vaginal dryness and the inability to achieve an orgasm are all common problems. Today, there are medications that can stimulate sexual desire and vaginal lubricants that can alleviate dryness, while increasing pleasure.
It is important to seek information and learn about the various methods of achieving sexual pleasure. You should keep an open mind concerning new experiences, for example, oral sex, which can become a viable alternative. It is also advisable to speak with your doctor about sex, rather than treating it as a taboo subject, as sex is vitally important in life, just like any other human need.
The truth is that we can enjoy our sexuality just as intensely in our fifties as we did in our twenties, whether with our life partner or with a new love. The greatest challenge to our sex lives in old age is acknowledging that sex can still be enjoyed in many pleasant forms, in accordance with the physical conditions of each human being.
References:
1.Catherine G. Adamsa; Barbara F. Turner. Journal of Sex Research Reported change in sexuality from young adulthood to old age.Volume 21, Issue 2, 1985.
2.Estudios Universidad Autónoma de México. Prejuicios y actitudes hacia la sexualidad en la vejez. [Prejudices and attitudes toward sex in old age] Psicología y Ciencia Social, year/vol. 8, number 001
Sex can be enjoyed at any age. It entirely depends on your compatibility with your partners and willingness to do sex. Maintain a healthy lifestyle and share your feelings with your partner to being harmony in relations.
Sintomas de la menopausia
| Enfermedades vaginales