A Guide on Sexual Health and Aging

In most movies and television shows, scenes that are sexual in nature often show young and smooth-skinned people “getting it on.” But age is not a reason to let your sex life slide. Intimacy with your partner is an essential part of any relationship whether you are in your 20s or 50s. Aside from boosting your personal relationship with your partner, sex also promotes better sexual health – a must regardless of your age. Below are some tips that can help you age gracefully, sexually:

1. Accept the changes in your body and strive to improve.

Do not be turned off by the sagging skin on your forearms or your protruding belly. Instead, welcome these changes but do your part in minimizing them. Keep an age-specific skin care routine, an exercise or fitness regimen, a healthy diet, and fashion style. Confidence is a prime sexual booster and looking good and being healthy are parts of it. However, accept that you may not be able to fit in the jeans you wore when you were 20 or sport the abs you had back in your college days. Just strive to be healthy and feel good in your own skin.

2. Take note and communicate about your and your partner's changing sexual needs.

At 20, you may feel up and running the instant your partner walks through the door. However, age does affect your sexual responses and that of your partner. Age can make your body require more stimulation to feel aroused or orgasm. Similarly, your partner, provided that he or she is of the same age range, may feel the same needs like longer stimulation to get in the mood. Knowing what clicks for your body and your partner is essential in communicating your sexual needs to each other.

3. Expand your definition of sexual relationships.

Actual intercourse can be very tiring especially if you have aching joints. Understand that intercourse is only one of the ways you can achieve sexual intimacy with your partner, not the only way. Often, passionate kissing, touching, massaging, and other forms of sexual contact can be fulfilling enough for both partners.

4. Veer from routine.

If you and your partner have been having sex after a long day at work for the past 10 years of your relationship, you might want to consider morning sex as an alternative. A simple change in routine can rev up your sex life and start making things exciting again. Alternatively, instead of jumping onto the sack instantly, try setting the mood with a romantic dinner and some dancing.

5. Consult your doctor.

Sometimes, the changes your body undergoes may be too severe that they can impair your sexual performance. Surgeries, chronic illnesses, and medications can affect how your body responds to sexual stimulation. Talk to your doctor about the possible side effects of the medications you are taking on your sexual drive and response. Likewise, a lengthy discussion about chronic illnesses like high blood pressure, heart problems, and their effects on your sex life is also in order to ensure your health safety when doing the deed. Alternatively, you can ask your doctor for a prescription of medications that can help increase your sexual vigor and boost your libido.