Contrary to popular notion, seniors do have sex lives too. Nowadays, many seniors are enjoying close, intimate encounters with their partners, never minding their sexual limitations—things that are beyond their control. The good news is, these sexual problems can be discussed with your healthcare providers and they can be helped—even treated—when assisted early on. An active sex life during your senior years can be achieved, especially if you’re all out in pursuing it. In fact, studies show that sexual satisfaction does not diminish with age but is rather hindered by age-related health conditions.

Certain physical changes come with the aging process. Your sexual functions, together with your reproductive system are the firsts to go. No matter how much you want to engage in sexual activities—since desire can still be felt—sometimes, the body may not react the same way as it used to be. Older women may feel their vaginas literally shrinking while men must have been experiencing erectile dysfunction every now and then. Lubrication is also a problem for senior women. Unfortunately, this condition can have a tremendous effect in sexual contacts women may have. Vaginal dryness can bring discomfort and sometimes pain, making it hard for the sufferer to enjoy sex. Sexual problems are mostly caused by age-related conditions such as:

·    Medication
·    Disabilities
·    Illnesses

Heart attack, being a condition that limits the use of excessive emotions, can make a person doubtful during sexual encounters for fear of triggering the condition or making the matter worse. Furthermore, women who underwent surgeries especially those within their genital areas are more careful when it comes to sex—to a point wherein they avoid doing it as much as possible. For one, a woman who recently underwent mastectomy is prone to feeling undesirable and less feminine. If the partner is not sensitive enough of the sufferer’s feelings, it may even leave an emotional dent in the relationship.

Aside from erectile dysfunction, one of the most common culprits that affects a man’s ability to have a healthy sex life is his medication. Some maintenance medications that are taken by older men are known to decrease sexual desire and worsen erectile dysfunction. Common drugs that are known to have this side effect are those prescribed for blood pressure, antidepressants, and even antihistamines.

For seniors who worry about their declining sexual activities, you should know that sex takes two aspects in a person. One aspect is emotional while the other half is physical. If one aspect is not up for it, chances are, it won’t work or in other words, it won’t be as satisfying as it should be. Nurture these two areas while you can and there will be no stopping you from having sex, even at any age.