Sexuality in older age

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Sexual drive can be considerable at any age and for either gender. While the human body has some limits on the maximum age for reproduction, sexual activity can be performed or experienced well into the later years of life.

1 Deminishing physicial limitations
- 1.1 Sex drugs
- 1.2 Fellatio
2 Health benefits
3 Psychological aspects
4 Potential limitations due to age
5 Social attitudes
- 5.1 Representation in film
6 Further reading
7 References
8 External links
9 See also

[edit] Deminishing physicial limitations

Although both male and female libidos will decline with passing age, this is not to say that desire for sex is lost completely. The female menopause has been linked to a loss of interest in sex and to a desensitivation of the genital area^{[citation needed]}. In some cases sexual intercourse can even become painful for older women^{[citation needed]}. However with the advent of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) treatments, the effects of the menopause are being lessened and women have more opportunity to continue to experience an active sex life. Treatments for erectile dysfunction are making it similarly possible for men to do so.

[edit] Sex drugs

There are several perscription medications currently on the market that are designed to extend and improve the sex lives of older men and women. Examples include Viagra and Cialis. The widespread use of these drugs has been said to have lead to a sexual revolution amongst the elderly and the coining of the term the "Viagra generation". ^[1]

[edit] Fellatio

Sexual behaviour is not limited to the purely penetrative; fellatio can still be experienced into old age by both men and women, as the experience is dependant on the pleasuring of nerves in order to convey the experience. The extent to which this such behaviour is possible and pleasurable will depend on how sensative to stimulation the relevant tissues have remained.

[edit] Health benefits

It has been suggested that an active sex life can increase longevity amongst the elderly. Indeed in the United Kingdom, a government health adviser even went so far as to officially promote the advantages to the elderly of such behaviour. ^[2]

[edit] Psychological aspects

Humans have sex for several reasons. The primary reason is, of course, reproduction but sex also serves other purposes not related to the ability to reproduce. Sex is a tool to express love and hence it also provides the feeling of security and reconfirmes the feelings shared between two people regardless of age. Sex has also been shown to calm people in stressful periods which again is independent of age. Sex therefore has a symbolic value which is independent of age.

[edit] Potential limitations due to age

Although seniors should not be discouraged from having sex some special considerations should be made.^[3]

[edit] Arthritis

Arthritis may cause pain and discomfort when having sex. This can be relieved with pain relievers, surgery to replace the broken joint as well as changing positions, resting and staying fit.

[edit] Chronic pain

Chronic pain due to other age related health issues may also be a limiting factor but again this can be treated with drugs.

[edit] Diabetes

Diabetes is known to be a potential cause of impotence among men. This can, as discussed elsewhere in the article, be treated medically.

[edit] Social attitudes

Sex between eldery is often treated as a taboo by society. Whilst sex itself is a sensitive topic due to its private nature sex between seniors is often treated with extra care. This attitude is especially common among younger people and it has been suggested that this may be caused by younger people's belief that the lust and ability to have sex diminishes once the primary cause of sex is no longer present.^{[citation needed]}

[edit] Representation in film

The concept of active sexual relationships between older people has in recent years become a more mainstream topic. The film Something's Gotta Give staring Jack Nicholson and Diane Keaton explores the relationship that develops between two people in later life.