MEDICAL NEWS TODAY – Aging can cause changes that may affect a person’s sex life. Health conditions and changing hormone levels can impact a person’s sex life, but people can take steps to maintain sexual satisfaction as they age.
Age does not have to limit a person sexually. Older people may actually experience a sense of liberation they did not in their youth, as responsibilities and the risks of unwanted pregnancy are lower.
This article looks at sex and aging, the changes to expect, and how people can lead a fulfilling sex life as they get older.
Sex and gender exist on spectrums. This article will use the terms “male,” “female,” or both to refer to sex assigned at birth. Click here to learn more.
According to the National Institute on Aging (NIA)Trusted Source, the normal aging process can bring about changes that may affect sex.
4 things that impact desire and intimacy
The sexual organs change with age. In females, the vagina may become narrower, with less lubrication. Menopause may also affect sexual desire. In males, erectile problems may become more common.
People may also find that physical changes, such as weight or muscle changes, affect how they feel in their bodies.
Illness, disability, medications, or surgery can also impact sexual desire and intimacy. However, not all people experience these problems, and treatments are available for those who do.
Statistics about sex and aging
Some researchers have studied sexual satisfaction in older adults and found positive results.
A 2019 surveyTrusted Source of people 60 years and older found that sex was important to most people, with over 70% reporting being sexually attractive for their age.
Another 2019 study found that older adults reported no significant difference in intimacy. A third of older adults 60–82 years reported more sexual thoughts and sexual activity than the average younger adult.
However, other factors can affect the sex lives of older adults … READ MORE.
