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S
ex can be a powerful
emotional experience
and a great tool for
protecting or improving
health, and it’s certainly
not only for the young. Sex
over the age of 50 can
present challenges, and
you may feel discouraged
by issues connected with
the aging process, but
these problems are not
insurmountable. With
better understanding
and an open mind, you
can continue to enjoy a
physically and emotionally
fulfilling sex life—it’s not
a question of age, but of
desire.
Good sex at any age
The need for intimacy is
ageless. And studies now
confirm that no matter
what your gender, you can
enjoy sex for as long as
you wish. Naturally, sex at
70 or 80 may not be like it
is at 20 or 30—but in some
ways it can be better. As
an older adult, you may
feel wiser than you were
in your earlier years, and
know what works best
for you when it comes to
your sex life. Older people
often have a great deal
more self-confidence
and self-awareness, and
feel released from the
unrealistic ideals of youth
and prejudices of others.
And with children grown
and work less demanding,
couples are better able
to relax and enjoy one
another without the old
distractions.
For a number of reasons,
though, many adults
worry about sex in their
later years, and end up
turning away from sexual
encounters. Some older
adults feel embarrassed,
either by their aging bodies
or by their “performance,”
while others are affected
by illness or loss of a
partner. Without accurate
information and an open
mind, a temporary situation
can turn into a permanent
one.
Benefits of sex as
you age
As an older adult, the
two things that may have
brought the greatest joy—
children and career—may
no longer as prevalent
in your everyday life.
Personal relationships
often take on a greater
significance, and sex can
be an important way of
connecting. Sex has the
power to:
Improve mental and
physical health.
Sex can
burn fat, cause the brain
to release endorphins, and
drastically reduce anxiety.
Increase lifespan.
Through its health-
improving benefits, a good
sex life can add years to
your life.
Solidify relationships.
Sex is a chance to express
the closeness of your
deepest relationship.
Give refuge.
Sex gives
you a chance to escape
from the sometimes harsh
realities of the world.
Good sex as you age
is safe sex as you
age
As an older adult, you
need to be just as careful
as younger people when
having sex with a new
partner. You may not be
able to get pregnant, but
you’re still susceptible
to sexually transmitted
diseases. Talk to your
partner, and protect
yourself.
Excerpts courtesy
BETTER SEX AS YOU AGE
