Social scientists have begun serious research in this vital area and only recently has the subject been covered openly. To measure your knowledge in this subject, answer the questions on the following pretest.
A significant segment of society assumes that older people don’t have sexual desires and are unable to do anything sexually, even if they wanted to. Sex and aging it seemed not linked up each other. Some even believe that sexual activity in elderly is perverse. Other common myths include: sexual desire ends with menopause, older people are unattractive and therefore sexually undesirable, and impotence is common among elderly men. Sexual activity among older people is generally considered taboo.
The problem with these myths is that they are often believed by the elderly themselves. As a result, older people adopt a negative view of their own sexual feelings, desires, and fantasies. The myth of sexless older years held by young people becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy when they reach old age. As a result, many elderly people are overwhelmed with guilt and shame when they have sexual desires.
We can portray sexual activity in elderly in many meanings. It may vary from a trivial physical release to an act full of passion in a burning loving relationship. Getting older over the time men may think their sexual experiences when were young and have the possibility to compare between actual satisfaction of sex and the way they did it when they are still young.
Reality Is Different
Both men and women are interested in sex and participate in sexual activities in their 70s, 80s, and beyond. Studies have documented that sexual desire, interest, and activity may continue well into the ninth decade of life.
While it is true that the frequency of sexual intercourse decreases with advancing years, cessation is most often the result of a decline in the physical health of one or both partners. A decrease in frequency is typically accompanied by an increase in embracing, cuddling, and holding as expressions of intimacy.
Past sexual activity and interest, enjoyment, and frequency are the three indicators that correlate positively with present sexual interest and activity among both older men and women. In other words, sex and aging will probably continue as long as you are physically able and have a capable partner.
Although research and adult education are eliminating some of the misunderstandings surrounding sex and aging, others remain. For example, a few would like to perpetuate the myth that sexual activity will extend life. This is hard to substantiate and probably has no basis in fact. That romance can add spice to life is a different matter. Many individuals who have existed in a chronically depressed state change dramatically when they are suddenly attracted to another. Result? A resurgence of life with some amazing behavioral changes. Hope is restored. This romantic involvement may not extend lives, but it increases a desire to live.
