Sexuality in old age is regarded by many as a taboo subject that is not spoken of out of shame and fear, or simply out of knowledge, we live in a society where the idea of the beauty of eternal youth is transmitted, where sexuality linked to the freshness of young people appears and constitutes a space dedicated especially to people who are not older.
Aging does not mean losing interest in sex, it is normal that if health is good people will remain sexually active throughout life, so, once again, we repeat the premise that enjoying good health is the key to fully enjoying sexuality.
- Society has built a wall full of stereotypes.
- Prejudices and marginalization around the sexuality of the elderly.
- This perspective leads the elderly to stop talking about sexuality.
- In many cases not to share it with anyone and.
- Ultimately.
- To abandon it.
To enjoy a healthy sexuality in old age it is necessary to know the changes that occur in the body over time and what will be its influence on sexuality, understanding these changes involves generating a life project in which well-being is not limited to loss. physical skills.
In this sense, being aware of the physical changes associated with age and becoming aware of them in the body is fundamental to addressing all the myths surrounding the issue of pleasure and this can lead to the rejection of sexuality.
Experts agree that the most important organ of sexuality is the brain, fear or insecurity can become the biggest obstacle when it comes to maintaining intimate relationships, men’s main fear is often not having an erection or not being able to maintain it, while a woman’s fear is more related to her physical appearance , that is, not feeling sensual. It is true that age is linked to some inevitable changes, but that is precisely why they must be assumed naturally.
The latest studies in gerontology speak of the importance of changing false beliefs about sexuality, fears and, in many cases, education received, lead us to regard the elderly as as asexual beings.
One of the most common myths about sexuality in old age has to do with the desire and belief that men have a greater sexual need, however, sexual desire has nothing to do with sex, men and women have sexual needs at any age and, of course, also matures.
Aging and sex, except in extreme cases of pathologies, are good travel companions, it is not about pretending to have a sex life as in young people, but about striving, intensifying the loving relationship with the partner and maintaining the ability to enjoy.
It is not true that from a certain age the interest in sex is lost, sexual activity is generally satisfactory for those who have a sexual history and a stable relationship.
Sexual ability over time is conditioned by factors such as physical and mental health or the existence of an active but almost never determined partner.
In fact, the practice of sexuality in old age is very beneficial: it helps the person feel better and remains very important for their physical and mental health, this feeling of well-being and happiness leads older adults to increase their self-esteem and emotional connection with their partner.
There are benefits associated with pleasure, such as feeling happy, eliminating pain, regulating insomnia and depression, promoting immune system activation and improving the climate of interpersonal relationships, which older adults can continue to enjoy.
Love is ageless, but it can change over the years, for young people it can be more exciting and over time it can become a more mature and serene feeling, where other problems such as companionship and care are prioritized. Emotional bond is created between the couple because they are able to share this complicity.
The aging of the person does not lead on its own to the death of desire or at the end of sexual activity, it is true that the body changes and the sexual response slows down, but the pleasure is the same if the proper stimulus occurs.
Sex is fabulous at any age and a good sex life brings self-esteem and pleasure, in this sense, in many cases, there is no objective reason to give up this source of well-being such as enjoying mature sexuality. it remains a taboo issue in our society and even in medical consultations, where the person is ashamed to talk about it.
“A beautiful old age is often the reward of a healthy life. -Pythagoras-