What Should Seniors Struggling with Sex Life Do?

Health Senior Sex Wellness

For most of us, talking about our sex life is beyond difficult. For many it is a very private matter that just shouldn’t be discussed or shared with others, not even our doctors. This is especially true for those who are more conservative and/or have a strong religious faith. After all, what happens in the bedroom should stay in the bedroom.

And this is a problem for many couples as they move into their senior years.

In the minds of younger people, older people are beyond having sex, but they’ll change their mind once they reach their golden years.

Many experts say that maintaining a healthy sex life with one’s partner is just as important to the relationship for older couples as it is for younger couples. The intimacy of sex helps to keep the bonds of the relationship strong. Some experts say that older couples who enjoy an active sex life together tend to be happier, healthier and live longer. Having regular sex can lower the risk of heart attacks and certain kinds of cancer. Regular sex helps boost memory and cognitive functions. It helps to lower blood pressure and strengthen the immune system.

Sadly, as some couples get older, their sex lives dwindle and even disappear. Sometimes this is due to physical conditions or other health issues that have arisen over the years. Things like a bad back can be a strong deterrent. Men suffering from high blood pressure of other health issues may find themselves unable to perform due to impotence. Some medications can also cause impotence. In fact, some of the medications used to treat high blood pressure can cause impotence, leaving some men frustrated, embarrassed and feeling inadequate and hopeless.

Health and physical issues can also cause some women to lose all sex drive and desire. Menopause can also result in a lack of natural lubricant in the vagina, leaving them dry, resulting in painful intercourse, so they just avoid having sex.

So, what do they do if for any reason, their sex lives are suffering as they enter their golden years? Do they just accept the fact that this part of life is over and do their best to just live with it?

A new study says no, because of the many benefits that come from maintaining an active and healthy sex life. However, for those who don’t have an active sex life, they found that few of them seek and kind of support or advice as reported:

“The most important finding? Older people who had support from others regarding their sex life were much more likely to be sexually active (and thus satisfied). For men, being able to use medication to boost their sex life made a big difference. For women, ‘finding it easy to talk to their regular partner about sex’ made them more likely to have it. For both men and women, seeking advice and getting help regarding their sex life also tended to boost their sexual activity—yet just one in four had actually done so.”

Bob Erens, lead author of the study and a researcher and professor with the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, explained:

“We identified that not many people who reported experiencing problems or lack of satisfaction sought help. Although this could be an individual choice or because of a perceived lack of support, it is vital that individuals feel able to make enquiries with health care professionals. In particular, discussing problems can often lead to identification of underlying medical conditions.”

It’s possible that nothing can be done to improve a couple’s sex life, but there are many things that can be done to actually help them to become sexually active again. And as the study stated, sometimes, talking to your doctor about your sexual problems can help the doctor to detect other medical problems that can be treated.

I know it’s embarrassing to tell anyone, including your doctor, that you are having problems with your sex life, but if you are having problems, swallow some pride and be honest with your doctor. After all, not only may you regain an active sex life, but it could help you live healthier and longer.

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