Image by shutterstock
March 24, 2020 | Sex | By Lisa Smith
There are certain myths and fallacies widely believed about older people and their sex life that help support the notion that they don’t, shouldn’t or wouldn’t want to have sex. These myths are very far from the truth and should be well differentiated from reality. Here are a few myths that need to be debunked about sexuality and aging.
The media and culture we live in exalt youth and beauty. Every magazine and TV show wants to use images of young adults with supple skin, firm flesh and a picture-perfect body to showcase their products and represent sexuality. This gives the impression that you have to look that way to be attractive.
No doubt supple skin, firm flesh and a picture-perfect body are attractive. But think back to what tickled your fancy in your younger age, beautiful eyes, a gorgeous smile, or a melodious voice. Don’t you still see these features in yourself and your partner irrespective of your age? Yes, they are still there and still very attractive.
Society and media are inclined to desexualize seniors. They often build this stereotype around them and view them with derision. For example, grandmas are always seen as women obsessed with knitting or granddads with the stereotype of the “dirty old man”
Age has never been a barrier to a healthy sexual life. There are a good number of seniors who are very agile and sexually active, debunking the outdated and ill-fitting stereotype. With this trend towards later-life vitality, seniors should be able to express their normal, healthy sexual appetites.
When adults get past 50, they begin to face sexual decline with issues like erectile difficulties and vaginal dryness. You’ll feel like sex is way past you when you get to or pass the age of 50.
In as much as some physical changes come with age, it doesn’t necessarily translate into insuperable sexual problems. Individuals with medical conditions that affect their sex life can have it corrected or treated. What these individuals should understand is that these conditions that affect sex life or sex drive do not translate outgrowing sex or your partner.
The thought and predictability of having the same partner for 20 years or more, slower rates of arousal, and poor libido just round up the fact that sex life is boring and tiring when you get older.
Teenagers and young adults might be more agile, stronger and faster in bed when compared to their 50 – 60-year-old counterparts, but the quality of the experience isn’t necessarily better. Older adults are more experienced and understand their bodies better than teenagers and younger adults. This experience can also pay off in improved techniques or sex styles and better understanding when it comes to pleasing his or her partner. Women are known to grow their confidence sexually in their 30s and get more intense orgasms in their 40s.
Your sex life doesn’t have to decline as you age, it is indeed more fascinating as you are more experienced and know exactly what you want out of your sex life. Build a healthy and memorable sex life with your significant other even as you age and live a happier and better life.