Some people believe that once a person reaches the older adult age range, he will no longer show any interest in doing the things he used to enjoy such as sex and intimacy. This is untrue, of course, for the need for intimacy has no age limits. A person's hunger for affection, intimacy, and emotional bond with another person is limitless.

However, there are still a significant number of older men and women who no longer have a fulfilling and happy sexual and intimate relationships with their partners. When a person doesn't have a healthy physical and emotional relationship with someone, he or she may suffer from low self-esteem and poor physical health.

What causes poor sexual health?

As one ages, his body experiences physical and physiological changes that can affect his sexual health and relationship with another person.

Common physical changes:

When a woman ages, she will eventually experience physical changes in the body that are associated to hormonal imbalance and menopause. For instance, the vagina takes longer time to lubricate and swell when aroused. This physical change can really make intercourse painful, thus, resulting to decreased or lost of interest in sex.

In men, the most common physical change is difficulty in achieving and maintaining erection. Erections do not last long and are less firm.

Common physiological changes:

The mind also experiences certain changes as an individual ages. These changes can also significantly affect one's sexual stamina or desire for sex. If an adult person is ashamed of his sexual needs and preferences, then it may probably lead to aversion from sex.

Also, when one notices gray hairs and wrinkles on his or her face, tendency is that he or she may feel less attractive, thus, reducing his or her sexual drive. Another common physiological change associated in aging is stress. When an aging individual worries too much on his sexual performance, this often leads to impotence for men and decreased desire to have sex for women.

How to improve sexual health

It is not really impossible for aging adults to improve and maintain their sexual health and stamina. However, it requires serious communication in the relationship if one wants to improve and maintain his or her sex life.

The following are a couple of helpful tips on how aging adults can improve their sexual health:

1. There is more to sex than just penetration.

To improve one's sex life, a person needs to expand his knowledge and perception on sex, for there is more to this carnal act than just mere penetration. Remember that intimate gestures such as touching and holding hands are perfect alternative to sex. Oral sex, masturbation, and sensual massage are also good substitute for sex.

2. Keep your body healthy and well-tuned.

Maintaining a healthy and fit body keeps a person's body ready for sex. As such, it is highly advised to aging men and women to eat a well-balanced diet that includes veggies and fruits. Exercising also helps tuning the body.

3. Level your expectations.

Basically, older men and women who have poor or stagnant sex life are usually the ones who engaged in less sexual activities during their younger years. On the other hand, it is contrary to partners who have active sex lives during their younger years, for they will be able to maintain their sexual stamina even when they get older.