Senior and Sexy - Busting the Myths

Who says you can't be over sixty and sexy? Oh, yeah? Tell that to Meryl Streep and Clint Eastwood, still turning heads. Throw out the mental pictures of Granny in her rocker with her shawl; senior citizens are still rockin'. As Americans live longer, more of us are proving those "old" stereotypes wrong.

It may make us slightly uncomfortable to think about Grandma and Grandpa being sexual unless we are now grandparents. Even some seniors believe that 65 is retirement age for sexuality as well as for careers, but the facts speak for themselves. There is no age limit to human sexuality. Studies show that 75% of men over 70 and 61% of women over 70 profess a high enjoyment of sexual activity. * The lower score for women does not reflect a lower libido, it reflects the fact that women live longer, are more often widowed and without a partner. Sexuality continues to be enjoyable and important throughout life.

Seniors' sexuality is effected by several factors. One such stressor is the myths about libido diminishing with age. Some seniors believe they should not continue having sex into old age. To remedy this problem, simply change your mind. Decide that you want to enjoy sexual activity throughout your life. Sexuality begins in the brain.

Disease, not age, limits sexual capacity as we get older. Diabetes, enlarged prostate, high blood pressure are just a few of the diseases which effect sexual performance. Healthy people of any age group can have a healthy sex life. The best way to renew your sexuality is to renew your health. Take care of yourself, get the best medical care you can afford. Eat right and exercise regularly. Good health will remove barriers to sexuality.

A perhaps surprising barrier for senior sexuality is privacy. When senior citizens must live in group facilities such as nursing homes or with relatives, it may be difficult to find enough private personal space to make sexual intimacy possible. Take a stand for what you need. Take your privacy concerns to the administrator or your loved ones. A "Do Not Disturb Sign" could change your life.