{"categories":"Lifestyle,Sexual health,Person Group Concept,Person Group Concept,Person Group Concept,Person Group Concept,Theme of Focus","keywords":"Sexual health,Sex and aging,Sex and aging,Gender Concept,Male,Age Concept,Adult,80 and over,Age Concept,Adult,65 to 80 older,Age Concept,Adult,45 to 64 middle,Clinical Focus Value Set,Risk factor","abstract":"\u003cp\u003eSex isn't just for the young. Get tips for staying active, creative and satisfied as you age.\u003c/p\u003e","title":"Senior sex: Tips for older men","body":"\u003cdiv class='section'\u003e\u003cdiv class='SectionHead'\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class='SectionHTML'\u003e\u003cp\u003eAs you age, sex isn't the same as it was in your 20s \u0026mdash; but it can still be satisfying. Contrary to common myths, sex isn't just for the young. Many seniors continue to enjoy their sexuality into their 80s and beyond.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eA healthy sex life not only is fulfilling, but also is good for other aspects of your life, including your physical health and self-esteem.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class='section'\u003e\u003cdiv class='SectionHead'\u003eSenior sex: What changes as men get older?\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class='SectionHTML'\u003e\u003cp\u003eAs men age, testosterone levels decline and changes in sexual function are common. These physiological changes can include:\u003c/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e    \u003cli\u003eA need for more stimulation to achieve and maintain erection and orgasm\u003c/li\u003e    \u003cli\u003eShorter orgasms\u003c/li\u003e    \u003cli\u003eLess forceful ejaculation and less semen ejaculated\u003c/li\u003e    \u003cli\u003eLonger time needed to achieve another erection after ejaculation\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eYou may feel some anxiety about these changes, but remember they don't have to end your enjoyment of sex. Adapting to your changing body can help you maintain a healthy and satisfying sex life. For example, you may need to adjust your sexual routine to include more stimulation to become aroused.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class='section'\u003e\u003cdiv class='SectionHead'\u003eSenior sex and health problems\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class='SectionHTML'\u003e\u003cp\u003eYour health can have a big impact on your sex life and sexual performance. Poor health or chronic health conditions, such as heart disease or arthritis, make sex and intimacy more challenging.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eCertain surgeries and many medications, such as blood pressure medications, antihistamines, antidepressants and acid-blocking drugs, can affect sexual function.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBut don't give up. You and your partner can experiment with ways to adapt to your limitations.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFor example, if you're worried about having sex after a heart attack, talk with your doctor about your concerns. If arthritis pain is a problem, try different sexual positions or try using heat to alleviate joint pain before or after sexual activity.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eStay positive and focus on ways of being sexual and intimate that work for you and your partner.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class='section'\u003e\u003cdiv class='SectionHead'\u003eSenior sex and emotional issues\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class='SectionHTML'\u003e\u003cp\u003eAt any age, emotional issues can affect your sexuality. Many older couples report greater satisfaction with their sex life because they have fewer distractions, more time and privacy, and no worries about pregnancy.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eOn the other hand, some older adults feel stressed by health problems, financial concerns and other lifestyle changes. Depression can decrease your desire for and interest in sex. If you feel you might be depressed, talk to your doctor or a counselor.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class='section'\u003e\u003cdiv class='SectionHead'\u003eSenior sex tips\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class='SectionHTML'\u003e\u003cp\u003eSex may not be the same for you or your partner as it was when you were younger. But sex and intimacy can continue to be a rewarding part of your life. Here are some tips for maintaining a healthy and enjoyable sex life:\u003c/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e    \u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTalk with your partner.\u003c/strong\u003e Even if it's difficult to talk about sex, openly sharing your needs, desires and concerns can help you both enjoy sex and intimacy more.\u003c/li\u003e    \u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVisit your doctor.\u003c/strong\u003e Your doctor can help you manage chronic conditions and medications that affect your sex life. If you have trouble maintaining an erection, ask your doctor about treatments.\u003c/li\u003e    \u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSee a sex therapist.\u003c/strong\u003e A therapist may be able to help you and your partner with specific concerns. Ask your doctor for a referral.\u003c/li\u003e    \u003cli\u003e    \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eExpand your definition of sex.\u003c/strong\u003e Intercourse is only one way to have a fulfilling sex life. Touching, kissing and other intimate contact can be rewarding for you and your partner.\u003c/p\u003e    \u003cp\u003eAs you age, it's normal for you and your partner to have different sexual abilities and needs. Be open to finding new ways to enjoy sexual contact and intimacy.\u003c/p\u003e    \u003c/li\u003e    \u003cli\u003e    \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAdapt your routine.\u003c/strong\u003e Simple changes can improve your sex life. Change the time of day you have sex to a time when you have the most energy. Try the morning \u0026mdash; when you're refreshed from a good night's sleep \u0026mdash; rather than at the end of a long day.\u003c/p\u003e    \u003cp\u003eBecause it might take longer for you or your partner to become aroused, take more time to set the stage for romance. Try a new sexual position or explore other ways of connecting romantically and sexually.\u003c/p\u003e    \u003c/li\u003e    \u003cli\u003e    \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDon't give up on romance.\u003c/strong\u003e If you've lost your partner, it can be difficult to imagine starting another relationship \u0026mdash; but socializing is well worth the effort for many single seniors. No one outgrows the need for emotional closeness and intimacy.\u003c/p\u003e    \u003cp\u003eIf you start an intimate relationship with a new partner, use a condom. Many older adults are unaware that they are still at risk of sexually transmitted infections, such as herpes and gonorrhea.\u003c/p\u003e    \u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eOne final piece of advice for maintaining a healthy sex life: Take care of yourself and stay as healthy as you can:\u003c/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\u003cli\u003eEat a healthy diet.\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003eExercise regularly.\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003eDon't drink too much alcohol.\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003eDon't smoke.\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eSee your doctor regularly, especially if you have chronic health conditions or take prescription medications.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/div\u003e","doc_id":"ART-20046465","object_id":"138c43a7-476b-4729-b8d0-cd0bf0603693","updated_at":"2017-07-14","meta_keywords":"","benefit_summary":"\u003cp\u003eWhat you can do to maintain a healthy and enjoyable sex life as you grow older.\u003c/p\u003e","sections":{"":"\u003cp\u003eAs you age, sex isn't the same as it was in your 20s \u0026mdash; but it can still be satisfying. Contrary to common myths, sex isn't just for the young. Many seniors continue to enjoy their sexuality into their 80s and beyond.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eA healthy sex life not only is fulfilling, but also is good for other aspects of your life, including your physical health and self-esteem.\u003c/p\u003e","Senior sex: What changes as men get older?":"\u003cp\u003eAs men age, testosterone levels decline and changes in sexual function are common. These physiological changes can include:\u003c/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e    \u003cli\u003eA need for more stimulation to achieve and maintain erection and orgasm\u003c/li\u003e    \u003cli\u003eShorter orgasms\u003c/li\u003e    \u003cli\u003eLess forceful ejaculation and less semen ejaculated\u003c/li\u003e    \u003cli\u003eLonger time needed to achieve another erection after ejaculation\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eYou may feel some anxiety about these changes, but remember they don't have to end your enjoyment of sex. Adapting to your changing body can help you maintain a healthy and satisfying sex life. For example, you may need to adjust your sexual routine to include more stimulation to become aroused.\u003c/p\u003e","Senior sex and health problems":"\u003cp\u003eYour health can have a big impact on your sex life and sexual performance. Poor health or chronic health conditions, such as heart disease or arthritis, make sex and intimacy more challenging.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eCertain surgeries and many medications, such as blood pressure medications, antihistamines, antidepressants and acid-blocking drugs, can affect sexual function.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBut don't give up. You and your partner can experiment with ways to adapt to your limitations.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFor example, if you're worried about having sex after a heart attack, talk with your doctor about your concerns. If arthritis pain is a problem, try different sexual positions or try using heat to alleviate joint pain before or after sexual activity.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eStay positive and focus on ways of being sexual and intimate that work for you and your partner.\u003c/p\u003e","Senior sex and emotional issues":"\u003cp\u003eAt any age, emotional issues can affect your sexuality. Many older couples report greater satisfaction with their sex life because they have fewer distractions, more time and privacy, and no worries about pregnancy.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eOn the other hand, some older adults feel stressed by health problems, financial concerns and other lifestyle changes. Depression can decrease your desire for and interest in sex. If you feel you might be depressed, talk to your doctor or a counselor.\u003c/p\u003e","Senior sex tips":"\u003cp\u003eSex may not be the same for you or your partner as it was when you were younger. But sex and intimacy can continue to be a rewarding part of your life. Here are some tips for maintaining a healthy and enjoyable sex life:\u003c/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e    \u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTalk with your partner.\u003c/strong\u003e Even if it's difficult to talk about sex, openly sharing your needs, desires and concerns can help you both enjoy sex and intimacy more.\u003c/li\u003e    \u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVisit your doctor.\u003c/strong\u003e Your doctor can help you manage chronic conditions and medications that affect your sex life. If you have trouble maintaining an erection, ask your doctor about treatments.\u003c/li\u003e    \u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSee a sex therapist.\u003c/strong\u003e A therapist may be able to help you and your partner with specific concerns. Ask your doctor for a referral.\u003c/li\u003e    \u003cli\u003e    \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eExpand your definition of sex.\u003c/strong\u003e Intercourse is only one way to have a fulfilling sex life. Touching, kissing and other intimate contact can be rewarding for you and your partner.\u003c/p\u003e    \u003cp\u003eAs you age, it's normal for you and your partner to have different sexual abilities and needs. Be open to finding new ways to enjoy sexual contact and intimacy.\u003c/p\u003e    \u003c/li\u003e    \u003cli\u003e    \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAdapt your routine.\u003c/strong\u003e Simple changes can improve your sex life. Change the time of day you have sex to a time when you have the most energy. Try the morning \u0026mdash; when you're refreshed from a good night's sleep \u0026mdash; rather than at the end of a long day.\u003c/p\u003e    \u003cp\u003eBecause it might take longer for you or your partner to become aroused, take more time to set the stage for romance. Try a new sexual position or explore other ways of connecting romantically and sexually.\u003c/p\u003e    \u003c/li\u003e    \u003cli\u003e    \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDon't give up on romance.\u003c/strong\u003e If you've lost your partner, it can be difficult to imagine starting another relationship \u0026mdash; but socializing is well worth the effort for many single seniors. No one outgrows the need for emotional closeness and intimacy.\u003c/p\u003e    \u003cp\u003eIf you start an intimate relationship with a new partner, use a condom. Many older adults are unaware that they are still at risk of sexually transmitted infections, such as herpes and gonorrhea.\u003c/p\u003e    \u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eOne final piece of advice for maintaining a healthy sex life: Take care of yourself and stay as healthy as you can:\u003c/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\u003cli\u003eEat a healthy diet.\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003eExercise regularly.\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003eDon't drink too much alcohol.\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003eDon't smoke.\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eSee your doctor regularly, especially if you have chronic health conditions or take prescription medications.\u003c/p\u003e"},"has_flash":false,"flash_content_url":null,"flash_content_height":null,"flash_content_width":null}