Old age mustn’t stop anyone from having sex if they so desire. However, body changes due to aging can affect a person’s sex life or desires. Libido can decrease due to hormonal changes or health conditions. People may also not be comfortable having sex due to their aging bodies and physical changes. Old age mustn’t stop anyone from having sex if they so desire. However, body changes due to aging can affect a person’s sex life or desires. Libido can decrease due to hormonal changes or health conditions. People may also not be comfortable having sex due to their aging bodies and physical changes.

Physical Changes and Sex in Old Age

Menopause can bring many hormonal changes and affect a woman’s libido. Women can experience vaginal dryness due to lowered estrogen production in old age. It can make intercourse painful. The vaginal wall can become thinner and make sex uncomfortable. With age, testosterone levels in men begin to decrease and affect their libido. Erections may require more time and efforts. Erections may also not last for long. Older men are also at more risk of experiencing erectile dysfunction. In old age, both men and women can experience health problems. These health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, muscle weakness, arthritis and others can reduce libido or make sexual encounters difficult. You may be well while your partner not as much. Some prescription medicines can also decrease libido. These can include drugs to control blood pressure, diabetes medicines, tranquilizers and others.

Psychological Factors and Sex in Old Age

Physical changes can affect a person’s mindset about sex during old age. Women may not feel confident about their body changes and may wish to distance from their partners sexually. Sagging skin, appearance of wrinkles and changes in the vagina can affect a woman’s sexual confidence. Due to erection problems, men may also not feel comfortable about having sex with their partners. They may also not feel comfortable talking about their problems with their partners or a doctor.

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Tips to Improve Sex Life in Old Age

Sex in old age can be satisfying provided that you do not shy away from communication with your partner or a doctor. You can take measures to improve or maintain a fulfilling sex life at any age if you desire.

Seek medical help –

You can talk to your doctor about vaginal dryness or erection problems. Use of a water-based lubricant can alleviate the problem of vaginal dryness and painful intercourse to quite an extent. Women can also benefit from estrogen supplements. For men, the doctor can prescribe medicines for erectile dysfunction or change drugs that could be causing sexual problems.

Share sexual concerns with your partner –

Talk to your partner about your insecurities or sexual desires. Communication, both verbal or and nonverbal (such as physical touch), can benefit your sex life. Communication about ways you can help each other enjoy sex can improve your relationship. Honest communication about your desires and expectations from your partner in terms of sex can be good for both of you. If you need more foreplay or wish to work on your overall intimacy then talking about it is important.

Use ways to increase intimacy –

Sex between partners can improve with more intimate encounters. With age, couples often stop setting aside time for romantic evenings or for fun outings. Lack of overall fun in relationships can also bring staleness into their sex life. Make efforts to go for dinner and movie outings. Prepare a sensual bath for the both of you. Use scented candles to enhance your sexual experience.

Try new things –

Don’t let age stop you from sexual experiments. Use lubes and sex toys if these help your sex life. Couples can attempt new sex positions or try manually stimulating their partners.

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