Practicing sex in old age has some challenges, not only due to advancing age but mainly because of taboos. Learn more about this topic.
Sex in old age is as beneficial and can be as enjoyable as at any stage of life, as sexuality endures throughout life and there is no age limit for relationships.
Maintaining an active sex life is important for a man’s physical and emotional health. However, to preserve this habit, it is necessary to keep in mind that the body and sexual response are no longer the same, and practice will require adaptations.
What happens to the body in old age?
As a man ages, the entire body undergoes changes that impact intimate moments. Changes in the penis are the most remembered, but they are not the only ones.
According to the book Sexual Discovery of Brazil, erectile dysfunction affects 45% of Brazilians. Among men over 70, 47% of cases are moderate or complete. In these situations, there is difficulty or inability to obtain and/or maintain an erection until the end of the relationship.
Ejaculation and orgasm also change. The man does not always have an orgasm as intense, and there is a reduction in the strength and volume of the ejaculated fluid. Moreover, the refractory period (the time needed until the man is ready for another relationship) increases.
The reduction in hormonal production also interferes with sex in old age. The drop in testosterone begins to occur around 40 years old and affects erectile function. Over time, levels fall even further, favoring erectile dysfunction.
Finally, as they age, men become predisposed to the development of chronic diseases and the incidence of cardiovascular problems, which also impair sexuality.
Benefits of Sex in Old Age
Continuing to have sex after the ages of 60, 70, 80 or even later brings benefits that help men live longer and better. Check out what they are:
- Improved cardiovascular health: as a form of physical exercise, sex benefits the heart and blood circulation, which are often affected by diseases at this stage of life.
- Strengthening the immune system: the release of hormones that occurs during the practice has positive effects, increasing the production of immune cells and strengthening the body’s response to infections.
- Muscle strengthening: the physical movements required at the moment contribute to strengthening the muscles and help men ensure mobility, posture, strength, and autonomy.
- Improvement of cognitive health: sex stimulates brain activity, promoting neuroplasticity and helping to maintain cognitive function and memory.
- Improvement in self-esteem and mental health: the release of endorphins and other neurotransmitters promotes feelings of pleasure and well-being, reducing stress, anxiety, and even symptoms of depression. Moreover, by having sex, the man feels more energetic, self-confident, and elevates his mental health.
- Strengthening dialogue and relationship between two people: especially in long-term relationships, the connection and proximity necessary for a good relationship help to strengthen emotional bonds and intimacy between partners.
How to Keep the Flame Alive as We Age?
To continue having quality sexual relations after reaching a certain age, the first step to take is to normalize this reality.
Sex in old age is a natural and healthy part of life. By denying or stigmatizing the sexuality of the elderly, we promote social isolation, misinformation, and lack of quality of life for men. It is essential to recognize and support sexuality in the best years.
For pleasurable sexual relations in old age, it is necessary to use lubricants, as there is a drying out due to aging, making lubrication more important than ever.
Also, more prolonged stimulation, including foreplay that involves touches and caresses, will help in eroticization, which is essential for more blood to reach the penis and contribute to an erection.
Health Care for Sex in Old Age
It is essential that men take care of their health to practice sex in old age, and this should be done in many ways.
Strengthening the pelvic floor with Kegel exercises will help prevent erectile dysfunction and urinary incontinence. They also help enhance pleasure.
In the case of men who do not have fixed partners, it is essential to use condoms as prophylaxis for STIs. The HIV/AIDS 2021 Epidemiological Bulletin from the Ministry of Health showed that there was a 129% increase in the number of new HIV registrations in individuals over 50 from 2020, compared to the years 2007/2009 and 2019.
If men face difficulties such as lack of libido, erectile dysfunction, Peyronie’s Disease, among other conditions that impact sexual life at this age, they should consult a doctor and never resort to medications or solutions that promise to improve sexual performance without a professional’s recommendation.
Therefore, keeping a regular schedule of visiting all doctors, including the urologist, will help maintain a quality sexual life, regardless of age.
By treating sex in old age with naturality and respecting the adaptations due to aging, it is possible to enjoy a healthy sexual life until the end. Count on us for this!
