Dr Sharmila Majumdar is the first female Sexologist in India. She specializes in female & male sexual dysfunctions and psychoanalysis. She is also a regular contributor to various medical magazines and portals.
Busting the Myth
Table of Contents
Though general perceptions and prejudices have led many to think of old age as ‘asexual’ or sex among older people as being disgusting or simply funny, this is nothing more than a myth.
Slowing down response timings, side effects of medications, illnesses, and unhealthy lifestyle choices might hurt the libidos of senior couples, but despite that, couples open to alternatives can continue to lead deeply satisfying intimate lives together in their golden years… why not?
Causes of Decrease in Sexual Interest and Function in Older Adults
Decreased testosterone levels in men
Menopause and reduced estrogen levels in women
Antidepressants
Blood pressure medications
Medications for chronic conditions
What are the reasons for the lower interest in sex and the reduced function? They could range from the obvious ones like deterioration of general physical health or perhaps loss of a partner to the less known ones like male sexual dysfunction, female sexual dysfunction, and various psychological causes. Or it could simply be due to a delay in seeking timely help from a sexologist due to embarrassment. What can the older couple do to address the issues of lower sexual interest and function?
Lack of exercise, smoking, obesity, diabetes, etc. affects sexual appetite and functioning negatively. Just as all other human functions, an active sex life needs a healthy mind and body. Lifestyle choices made years ago come into play now. Well-balanced diets, regular exercise, regular medical check-ups, and a positive attitude should stand one in good stead.
Bonus: The concept of remaining sexually active even later in life years may push people to make healthier choices in their young days.
Are Your Meds Hurting Your Sex Drive?
An enlarged prostate is a problem most men will encounter as they age. Proscar, which is used to treat it, lowers testosterone, thereby reducing the libido too. Similarly, the highly popular painkillers NSAIDs, which are popped like candy by many women, could be sabotaging their lubrication and hence libido. Check with your doctor about the side effects of the medicines that you are taking. You could ask them to recommend one that doesn’t affect the libido or one that counteracts the side effects.
Don’t Shy Away From Meeting a Sexologist
Low sexual performance or desire may be attributed to old age by senior citizens themselves, too, when all the while it might be due to a very treatable medical condition. Unless it is something like cancer, enlarged prostrate or high diabetes, chances are that your doctor can fix it. Don’t let ‘feeling embarrassed’ to meet a doctor make you miss out on intimacy!
A sexologist will be able to correctly educate you about the actual changes that you should expect in sexual functioning as you age and the options available to counter them. Don’t let the scary/depressing changes in the body unnerve you. Meet a good doctor and be prepared to face the changes head-on.
Side note: Sexologists also need to educate themselves to increase awareness of sexuality among those of older age and improve communication skills. A multidisciplinary approach should be used when possible.
Copy the Youngsters
With everything going for them –healthy bodies, fast reflexes, crazy sex drives, popular culture, youngsters still, at times, take the assistance of sex toys, lubricants, doctors’ suggestions, satisfying alternatives to intercourse, and so on. There’s no reason why you shouldn’t try them out, too. Intimacy is a precious part of a loving caring relationship; do not be afraid of embracing a few changes to keep the old fire burning.
Chill! There’s No Performance Pressure
Research states that the centenarians reported greater satisfaction with ‘life and family relationships’ as compared to that from ‘sex’. Crossed 60? You’ve already been branded asexual. You can use it to your advantage. Whatever you and your partner do, will now exceed all expectations! Woohoo!
Jokes apart, couples in their 60s, 70s, and above may not be as sexually intimate as their younger counterparts, but they’re not asexual. As they adapt to the changes that aging invariably brings, they could very well enjoy deep, meaningful, and fulfilling intimacy, along with companionship.
Being sexually active with one’s partner in the senior year is not disgusting or remotely funny. If anything, it is only the most fortunate ones of us who have companionship in our old age… and the slightly more fortunate ones will have the energizing zing of intimacy too!
Maintaining a fulfilling intimate life is crucial for a healthy relationship. If you’re experiencing challenges in this area, remember that you’re not alone. Many couples face similar issues, and most can be successfully addressed with professional guidance. Our experienced therapists and counselors specialize in helping couples navigate intimacy concerns and rediscover a fulfilling connection. Explore their profiles here and take the first step towards a more satisfying relationship.
FAQs
1. How does aging affect intimacy in couples?
Aging can bring about physical, hormonal, and emotional changes that might affect intimacy. For some, this means a decrease in sexual desire or performance, while others might experience a deepening emotional connection that enhances their intimate experiences. It’s essential to communicate openly with your partner and explore new ways to maintain intimacy.
2.What are some ways to maintain intimacy as we age?
Maintaining intimacy as you age involves focusing on emotional closeness, exploring new forms of physical affection, and possibly adjusting sexual expectations. Activities such as regular date nights, open communication, physical touch, and even seeking medical advice for any sexual health issues can help keep the intimacy alive in your relationship.
3. Is it normal for couples to have a reduced frequency of sexual activity as they get older?
Yes, it is normal for many couples to experience a reduced frequency of sexual activity as they age. Factors such as health issues, medication side effects, and changes in energy levels can contribute to this. However, it’s important to remember that intimacy isn’t solely about sex; emotional connection, affection, and spending quality time together also play crucial roles in maintaining a strong bond.
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Former CEO and Editor of a web portal, Aarti is currently heading Content and Communications at Language Curry, an Indian language APP. She is also the editor-in-chief of their blog section.
Aarti writes on diverse genres, including parenting, relationships, intimacy, humour, and travel. Her more recent interests include research and writings with a focus on Indic Culture and history.
She wrote the travel column for the esteemed defense magazine, "SALUTE to the Indian Soldier," for many years (till Covid hit).
Aarti was the editor of the title "Chicken Soup for the Indian Soul-Teen Talk Growing Up"(Westland Publications).
Over the past sixteen years, Aarti has been writing consistently for numerous leading print and web magazines, which include Chicken Soup for the Indian Soul series, Mother & Baby, Parent & Child, India Defense Review, First Mum's Club, Women's Web, KFN, My India My glory, and the prestigious India Foundation blog, "Chintan."
The bilingual author is working on two books, one in English and another in Hindi. In a joint venture with the newly launched LMS, Vedic IQ, Aarti will soon be releasing numerous video series on Indian history (from the perspective of Bharat), and on the intricacies of Hindu culture.
Readers Comments On “When It Comes to Intimacy, Should Couples Slow Down as Age Catches up With Them?”
Kavya Anjali
In India, you don’t even have to wait till middle age to spot sex as a taboo. It’s always treated as a taboo. When the truth is sex is something elemental. And physical desire is nothing to be ashamed of. There has to be more awareness on this subject so that people don’t shy away from approaching a sexologist. And it’s such a wonderful piece that actually highlighted the various aspects of sexual needs in middle age people. I really hope such sensitisation reaches more people.
Wow! Bonobology never stops to surprise me! Just the fact that the piece talks about libidos in the elderly deserves an applause and then bringing in actual medical expert opinions on the same makes it even more authentic. I agree to the part that says that we as a society feel ashamed of talking/discussing about sexual matters – one can only imagine the inhibitions of someone “not young enough”when it comes to seeing a sexologist. I applaud the conversation and hope that it reaches as many people as possible. Because, everyone deserves to be happy! remember – naa umra ki seema ho…na janm ka ho bandhan 🙂
Dear Simran,
Thank you for the encouraging words. It is feedback such as this that keeps us going, and trying to change the narrative around vital issues such as thus.
Agree with you, ‘everyone does deserve to be happy’ ❤
Much love,
Aarti
Human beings are actually never too old to enjoy a happy and healthy sex life. Despite this, many people, young and old alike, are astounded at the idea of people remaining sexually active in their sixties and beyond. I don’t know why?
And I completely agree with the piece, blessed are those couples who actually maintain intimacy and companionship even in their old age. I look forward to those couples!
In India, you don’t even have to wait till middle age to spot sex as a taboo. It’s always treated as a taboo. When the truth is sex is something elemental. And physical desire is nothing to be ashamed of. There has to be more awareness on this subject so that people don’t shy away from approaching a sexologist. And it’s such a wonderful piece that actually highlighted the various aspects of sexual needs in middle age people. I really hope such sensitisation reaches more people.
Wow! Bonobology never stops to surprise me! Just the fact that the piece talks about libidos in the elderly deserves an applause and then bringing in actual medical expert opinions on the same makes it even more authentic. I agree to the part that says that we as a society feel ashamed of talking/discussing about sexual matters – one can only imagine the inhibitions of someone “not young enough”when it comes to seeing a sexologist. I applaud the conversation and hope that it reaches as many people as possible. Because, everyone deserves to be happy! remember – naa umra ki seema ho…na janm ka ho bandhan 🙂
🙂
Dear Simran,
Thank you for the encouraging words. It is feedback such as this that keeps us going, and trying to change the narrative around vital issues such as thus.
Agree with you, ‘everyone does deserve to be happy’ ❤
Much love,
Aarti
Human beings are actually never too old to enjoy a happy and healthy sex life. Despite this, many people, young and old alike, are astounded at the idea of people remaining sexually active in their sixties and beyond. I don’t know why?
And I completely agree with the piece, blessed are those couples who actually maintain intimacy and companionship even in their old age. I look forward to those couples!