Sexuality in older age

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.

Diminishing 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 Fact|date=February 2007. In some cases sexual intercourse can even become painful for older women Fact|date=February 2007. 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.Despite the aging of the population, little is known about the sexual behaviors and sexual function of older people.

This survey [http://bestamericanhospital.blogspot.com/2007/08/sexuality-and-health-among-older-adults.html] report the prevalence of sexual activity, behaviors, and problems in a national probability sample of 3005 U.S. adults (1550 women and 1455 men) 57 to 85 years of age, and it describes the association of these variables with age and health status.

The unweighted survey response rate for this probability sample was 74.8%, and the weighted response rate was 75.5%. The prevalence of sexual activity declined with age (73% among respondents who were 57 to 64 years of age, 53% among respondents who were 65 to 74 years of age, and 26% among respondents who were 75 to 85 years of age); women were significantly less likely than men at all ages to report sexual activity. Among respondents who were sexually active, about half of both men and women reported at least one bothersome sexual problem. The most prevalent sexual problems among women were low desire (43%), difficulty with vaginal lubrication (39%), and inability to climax (34%). Among men, the most prevalent sexual problems were erectile difficulties (37%). Fourteen percent of all men reported using medication or supplements to improve sexual function. Men and women who rated their health as being poor were less likely to be sexually active and, among respondents who were sexually active, were more likely to report sexual problems. A total of 38% of men and 22% of women reported having discussed sex with a physician since the age of 50 years.Conclusions: Many older adults are sexually active. Women are less likely than men to have a spousal or other intimate relationship and to be sexually active. Sexual problems are frequent among older adults, but these problems are infrequently discussed with physicians.

ex drugs

There are several prescription 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 led to a sexual revolution amongst the elderly and the coining of the term the "Viagra generation". [cite web | author=Nancy Webb | title=The taboo of senior sexuality | publisher=Wisconsin State Journal | url=http://www.madison.com/wsj/home/local/index.php?ntid=107902&ntpid=1 | accessdate=2006-12-01]

Oral sex

Sexual behaviour is not limited to the purely penetrative; oral sex can still be experienced into old age by both men and women, as the experience is dependent 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 sensitive to stimulation the relevant tissues have remained.

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. [cite web | title=Old age 'tsar' promotes sex
publisher=BBC News| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/1541706.stm
accessdate=2006-12-01]

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 it also provides the feeling of security and reconfirms 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.

Potential limitations due to age

Although seniors should not be discouraged from having sex some special considerations should be made.

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.

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.

Diabetes

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

ocial attitudes

Sex between elderly people 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 reason for sex is no longer present.Fact|date=February 2007

Representation in film and TV

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

The HBO series Tell Me You Love Me has caused controversy by showing several explicit sex scenes involving two senior citizen actors on the show, Jane Alexander and David Selby.

ee also

*Impotence
*Pregnancy over age 50

Further reading

*cite paper | author= Patricia Bloom, David Kaufman, Dagmar O'Connor,
title=Staying Sexual Into the Golden Years
publisher=healtology.com | date=June 25, 2001
url=http://twilightbridge.healthology.com/sexual-health/article1206.htm
accessdate=2006-12-01
*cite paper
author=Eddy M. Elmer
title=Applying symbolic interactionism and age stratification theories to the study of sexuality in the elderly| publisher=Simon Fraser University | date=June 2001| url=http://www.eddyelmer.com/articles/sisfu.htm | accessdate=2006-12-01
*cite web | title=Sex before stressful events keeps you calm | publisher=New Scientist | url=http://www.newscientist.com/channel/sex/mg18925365.500-sex-before-stressful-events-keeps-you-calm.html | accessdate=2006-12-01
*cite web | author=Marcelle d’Argy Smith | title=Sex after sixty - the last taboo? | publisher=Saga Health News | url=http://www.saga.co.uk/health_news/article/D2C831EF-FFF9-4E54-BCB5-47808B866F7F.asp?bhcp=1 | accessdate=2006-12-01
*cite web | author=Cathleen Jo Faruque | title=How old is to old to be sexually active? | publisher=selfhelpmagazine.com | url=http://www.selfhelpmagazine.com/articles/sex/howold.html | accessdate=2006-12-01
*cite web | author=Kelly Jones | title=Sex and Love at 60 | publisher=click.lavalife.com | url=http://click.lavalife.com/magazine/feature.act?pid=8663 | accessdate=2006-12-01
*cite web | author= Beverly Johnson | title=Older women talk about sex | publisher=selfhelpmagazine.com | url=http://www.selfhelpmagazine.com/articles/aging/eldersex.html | accessdate=2006-12-01

References

External links

* [http://instruct1.cit.cornell.edu/courses/psych431/student2000/dp51/index.html "SeniorSex.org" (on .edu site)]
* [http://www.nia.nih.gov/ National Institute on Aging]
* [http://nihseniorhealth.gov/ nihseniorhealth.gov]