What you can do to maintain a healthy and enjoyable sex life as you grow older.
You may notice changes such as:
You might be worried about these changes. But remember, they don’t have to end your enjoyment of sex. Working with your changing body can help you keep a healthy and happy sex life. For instance, you may need to change your sexual routine to include more stimulation to become aroused.
Sexual well-being is closely tied to the rest of your health. How you’re feeling, long-term health conditions, age-related changes or drugs can all affect you sexually.
Some surgeries and many drugs — such as blood pressure drugs, antihistamines, antidepressants and acid-blocking drugs — can affect sexual function.
Also, changes to your body — such as testosterone and sperm changes, nerve damage, bone and muscle loss, and low iron — can affect your sexual health.
And existing health conditions — such as heart disease, diabetes, cancer and prostate problems — can have an impact too.
But don’t give up. You and your partner can try new ways to be intimate that work with your needs and abilities.
For example, if you’re worried about having sex after a heart attack, talk with your health care provider about your concerns. If arthritis pain is a problem, try different sexual positions. Or try using heat to lessen joint pain before or after sexual activity.
Stay positive and focus on ways of being sexual and intimate that work for you and your partner.
At any age, emotional issues can affect how you feel sexually. Sometimes this is good news. With fewer distractions, more time and privacy, and no worries about pregnancy — many older couples report better sex lives.
But other adults may feel stressed by health problems, money troubles and other lifestyle changes. Depression can lower your desire for sex. If you think you might be depressed, talk to your health care provider or a counselor.
Sex may not be the same for you or your partner as it was when you were younger. But sex and intimacy can still be a rewarding part of your life. Here are some tips for keeping a healthy and enjoyable sex life:
Expand your definition of sex. 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.
As you age, you and your partner may have different sexual abilities and needs. Be open to finding new ways to enjoy sexual contact and intimacy.
Change your routine. Simple changes can improve your sex life. Change the time of day you have sex. Try the morning — when you’re refreshed from a good night’s sleep and when your testosterone levels are likely higher — rather than at the end of a long day.
Because it might take longer for you or your partner to become aroused, take more time for romance. Try a new sexual position or find other ways of connecting romantically and sexually.
Don’t give up on romance. If you’ve lost your partner, it can be difficult to imagine starting another relationship. But socializing is well worth the effort for many single seniors. No one outgrows the need for emotional closeness and intimacy.
If you start an intimate relationship with a new partner, use a condom. Many older adults don’t know that they are still at risk of sexually transmitted infections, such as herpes and gonorrhea.
One final piece of advice for keeping a healthy sex life: Take care of yourself and stay as healthy as you can.
See your health care provider regularly, especially if you have long-term health conditions or take prescription drugs. Other conditions and drugs can affect your sexual health, but your provider can help.
