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Senior sex: romance, act two
Canadians enjoy intimacy well into their golden years. As more and
more people are realizing, sex and romance don't stop after 60...
or 70, 80, or 90. The question is, how do you keep the passion
blazing as time goes by?
In 2004, AARP (a non-profit organization for people over the age
of 50 that provides information and services about issues
important to this age group) conducted a sex survey among 1,682
Americans over 45 years of age from across the US. It found that
this demographic is enjoying "a second sexual
revolution." More than half of those surveyed agreed that
sexual activity is critical to a relationship and important for
good quality of life . About one-third of respondents, or about
half of those with regular sexual partners, have intercourse once
a week or more. The study authors also noted that, compared to
AARP's first sex survey in 1999, more respondents said they sought
sex information from healthcare professionals, health magazines,
and other sources, and that the use of sex medicines, hormones, or
other treatments has "grown tremendously."
Overwhelmingly, survey respondents declared that sex is not just
for the young.
While that's true, sex won't be the same as when we were young. As
we age, our bodies change, and that can affect our sexuality. Both
men and women may take longer to become aroused, and may find they
have less stamina. It can also take longer to feel satisfied. The
hormonal changes of menopause can cause vaginal dryness or
discomfort in women. Men may find their erections aren't as firm
or large, and orgasms are less intense. Rather than give up on
sex, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about treatment options,
such as lubricants for women and medication for men.
There are other reasons that sex may become more challenging, such
as a new disability or health problem, lack of self-confidence, or
the side effects of prescription medications. Explore ways to
reduce the impact of these factors, whether it's talking to your
doctor about switching drugs, treating an underlying health issue,
or having an honest discussion with your partner about your
changing needs and abilities.
It's also good to be open-minded - try new positions or having sex
at the time of day you have the most energy, for example. Remember
that sex is not only about intercourse, and intimacy is not just
about sex. There are other ways to satisfy yourself and your
partner and bring you closer together.
While the notion of sex for life is a tantalizing one, there is
one warning you should heed. All this pleasurable activity among
older adults has resulted in a not-so-sexy problem: an increase in
sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV, among
American seniors. Age does not make you immune to STIs. According
to Health Canada, about 12% of those who test positive for AIDS
are 50 or older.
Find out your status - get tested for HIV. Talk to your doctor
about sexually transmitted infections. If you are becoming
intimate with a new partner, use protection. After all, you don't
want anything to get in the way of the rest of your sex life!
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