Intimacy Advice for Seniors
You’re here because you have questions about intimacy and aging. Whether you’re experiencing changes in function, navigating new relationships, or simply curious about what intimacy looks like in later life, you’re not alone.
Despite lingering stereotypes, older people like you are continuing to enjoy healthy, fulfilling intimate lives, and in many cases, even discovering new ways of connecting and experiencing desire. The truth is, your intimacy adventures don’t have to fizzle out just because you’ve reached a certain age.
Still, it’s worth acknowledging that aging can bring about physical and emotional changes that impact your intimate health. That’s why a little senior advice, a few precautions, and an open mind can go a long way.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through what to expect, what to watch for, and how to turn good intimacy into epic intimacy — safely, confidently, and on your own terms.
Can a 70-Year-Old Man Be Intimately Active?
Of course, 70-year-old men can be intimately active. Age shouldn’t limit your intimate life.
Provided you’re in good health, you can enjoy intimacy over 70 and well beyond. But intimacy might look different in your golden years.
According to studies on intimate health in older adults, here’s why:
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Your overall drive might become weaker, reducing your interest in intimacy.
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You could develop ED and struggle to get or stay aroused enough for intimacy.
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It might be more challenging to reach pleasure, and it may be delayed or happen too soon.
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Muscle tone, stamina, and strength may all decline, making intimacy more challenging.
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Your injury risk goes up due to brittle bones and weaker muscles.
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You might experience a gradual decline in testosterone levels.
Benefits of Senior Intimacy
Senior Intimacy and Well-Being
The good news is that scientists generally agree that older adult intimacy presents numerous quality-of-life benefits.
For example, a study in the journal Medicine surveyed nearly 7,000 men and women with a mean age of 65. It found that those who reported at least one intimate event in the past year had higher enjoyment of life scores than their peers.
Intimacy Tips for Seniors
Check Your General Health Regularly
Intimacy confidence begins in the doctor’s office. Staying on top of your overall health and wellness is the foundation for great intimacy at any age, and in your later years, it becomes non-negotiable.
Part of this is ED prevention. Cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes are two common causes of ED, and both occur more frequently in older adults.
Regularly checking in with your primary care provider about your intimate health and testosterone levels (which research suggests decrease at an average of 1.6 percent a year).
Atherosclerosis (clogged arteries) and hypertension (high blood pressure) are also known causes of ED that occur more frequently in middle-aged and older men.
Maintain a Healthy, Active Lifestyle
Exercise is crucial for preventing medical conditions that could cause ED. Conversely, a sedentary lifestyle can increase your risk of ED. Try to maintain a healthy, active lifestyle, engage in regular physical activity, and eat a balanced diet.
We’re not talking marathons and deadlifts — a daily walk around the neighborhood and a salad for dinner are great starts, especially if the salad contains lean sources of protein.
And staying active may have the added benefit of improving cognitive ability and protecting against cognitive decline.
And yes, having intimacy burns calories, while keeping the pace up builds cardio health and stamina. This can also help you maintain a healthy body weight, which reduces your risk of age-related health problems like heart disease.
Take Care of Your Mental Health
Chronic stress, depression, performance anxiety, and psychological ED can all affect your intimate life if left untreated. Your self-esteem, comfort with your body, and overall happiness can impact intimate health at any age.
If the idea of speaking with an intimacy therapist makes you nervous, other options exist, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), couples counseling, and more.
Explore the Best Positions for Seniors
Some low-maintenance, but highly pleasurable positions to consider include:
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Modified missionary. We know missionary may not sound very exciting, but there’s a reason it’s a classic. If your partner is female, slide a pillow under her back for easier entry. This position also allows her to apply stimulation, which increases her chances of having pleasure. If you think this position requires too much arm and core strength, try standing at the edge of the bed while her feet are in the air.
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Spooning. Intimacy while lying down? Why not? To try this position, have you and your partner lie on your sides with one partner’s back against the other’s chest. The position is highly intimate as it combines cuddling with a gentle intimate session, and you can even take things up a notch with a adult toy or two.
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69 on the side. Oral is still intimacy, or a fun idea to get you both going. Instead of regular 69, which has one partner lying directly on top of the other, try performing oral on each other with you both lying on your sides. It puts less pressure on your hands and wrists and is equally satisfying.
Understand the Importance of Lubrication
Intimacy function problems aren’t just a men’s issue. Women experience hormonal changes with age, leading to vaginal dryness, which can make intimacy less enjoyable for everyone.
Luckily, this type of dysfunction can be solved relatively easily with patience, support, and lube.
Remember Your Partner Is Aging Too
Maybe you’re one of those men dating well out of his age range — and more power to you if you’re having a good time. Those with partners in the same age range will learn that their partners will eventually have their own age-related problems.
For older women, menopause affects:
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Intimate drive
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Estrogen production
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Natural lubrication
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Reproductive health
Make sure to communicate and be aware of limitations on both sides of the bed. Consider intimacy therapy or couples counseling if you both can’t seem to get on the same page.
Try Thinking Outside the Box
Creativity shouldn’t be something you outgrow. It should be something that becomes more prevalent over time.
Adult toys and intimacy pillows, are great tools for keeping things interesting. Many non-penetrative forms of intimacy can keep everyone excited for longer.
When in Doubt, Keep It Simple
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, take a step back. Ignore what’s trendy or new, and don’t feel obligated to have intimacy daily or every other day.
Do what you enjoy, and try not to compare yourself to others. intimacy isn’t a competition — an intimate relationship with your partner is a two-way street.
Intimate Health and Safety
Consider Using Medication to Treat ED
ED is treatable. The FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) has approved several PDE5 inhibitors, including:
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Sildenafil (the active ingredient in Viagra)
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Tadalafil (Cialis)
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Vardenafil (Levitra)
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Avanafil (Stendra)
These ED medications work to improve blood flow to your privates and are generally safe and effective for older men if you’re deemed eligible by a healthcare provider. You should always inform your healthcare provider about other medications you use because some ED medications interact poorly with others. They’ll be able to tell you if you’re a good candidate for these types of medications or suggest others that may be more suitable.
Make Sure to Practice Safe Intimacy
While intimacy transmitted infections (STIs) are a risk for any age group, studies show there’s a dramatic worldwide increase in STIs among older adults.
Getting tested for STIs (like gonorrhea, syphilis, and HIV) is a vital part of safe intimacy. And aside from abstinence, condoms are the best way to avoid intimacy transmitted infections.
What to Do Next
Age is just a number.
Intimacy desires change as you age, and so does your stamina. But here’s what to do to maximize your intimate life in older adulthood:
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Look after your health. Good intimacy relies on good health. Getting regular check-ups and leading a healthy, active lifestyle can help you live your intimate life to the fullest.
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Be creative. From trying new positions to including lube and adult toys in your mix, there are plenty of ways to open up new avenues of intimacy gratification for you and your partner.
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Get treatment for ED. Getting and maintaining arousal after 65 can be more challenging than when you were younger. Fortunately, several ED medications and strategies can help you out. Don’t be afraid to bring this issue to your healthcare provider, who can provide the right solutions.
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This article originally appeared on Hims.com and was syndicated by MediaFeed.org
