Sex after the age of 50

Sex after the age of 50

When it comes to aging, many people make the false assumption that sex is more difficult and not as fulfilling or exciting. Those assumptions are absolutely incorrect, as youth has no superiority over senior sex; in fact, seniors do have an edge when it comes to great sex, as they typically have a stronger sense of self and are more at ease with their sexuality in general.

With a greater awareness by many baby boomers regarding the need for healthy living, there has been an increase in better understanding of the importance of a natural diet and exercise in order to achieve longevity and a high quality of life. Thus, seniors increasingly demand foods that are organic, non-GMO, pesticide free and animal friendly along with other health products.

Such things all influence healthy sexual performance and satisfaction, and for most seniors, there is a better understanding of what is important when it comes to pleasure with regard to physical, mental and emotional aspects. The seniors who have great sex are typically also those who take care of their health and their relationships, as they understand their interconnectedness.

Senior sexual health concerns

Unfortunately, health conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure and other chronic illnesses can negatively impact sexual performance, and seniors are often the hardest hit. In addition, medication side effects are responsible for a great deal of sexual health complications. These issues are why seniors must be educated and communicate with their healthcare providers so that they can effectively cope with such challenges in order to live a more empowered life.

Sexual health issues can deeply affect both men and women. For example, when a man experiences erection issues and loss of libido, it can be an indicator of health issues as well as seriously affect confidence levels and self-esteem. Women can also be negatively impacted by such issues, e.g., loss of libido, vaginal dryness and clitoral desensitization. Furthermore, these symptoms can make sex painful for women, thus making it even more difficult to address.

Sexual obstacles for women over fifty

Aging brings a variety of physical changes to a woman's body; even if she takes excellent care of herself, she may find that menopause can wreak havoc on her well-being. There are a variety of natural ways to overcome the symptoms of menopause; however, it is important to note that there are more than just hormonal changes that can be causing symptoms. Working with a healthcare provider to determine the cause of symptoms is a great place to start.

Examples of health issues that menopause can contribute to:

• Hormonal imbalances of estrogen, progesterone and testosterone
• Insulin imbalance
• Difficulty with thyroid function
• Poor adrenal health

These changes can cause common symptoms such as:

• Fatigue
• Mood changes
• Vaginal dryness
• Joint discomfort
• Loss of vaginal elasticity
• Hot flashes
• Sleep difficulties
• Weight gain
• Difficulty concentrating
• Digestive discomfort
• Thinning hair
• Low libido

Sexual obstacles for men over fifty

Males also go through a variety of changes as they age; just as women go through menopause, men go through andropause. For men, the biggest change is seen through the decrease of testosterone production and bioavailability. These changes typically happen gradually over time, beginning at the age of thirty. By the time a man reaches the age of seventy, his testosterone levels may be lowered by as much as 50% of their original levels. Read more